Computerized method and system of determining a credible real set of characteristics for an accident

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for determining a credible real set of characteristics relating to an accident. In an embodiment, sets of characteristics relating to an accident may be used to determine liability in the accident. At least one real set of characteristics may be determined from witness statements. A credible set of characteristics may be determined from physical measurements of the accident. The at least one real set of characteristics may be compare to the credible set of characteristics to determine if there are inconsistencies in the at least one real set of characteristics. A credible real set of characteristics relating to the accident may be determined from the at least one real set of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/237,744 entitled “Computerized Method of Liability Assessment fora Motor Vehicle Accident,” filed Oct. 2, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to estimation ofliability in an accident. Certain embodiments relate tocomputer-implemented systems and methods for estimating liability in amotor vehicle accident through analysis of characteristics of motorvehicle accidents.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A typical motor vehicle accident claims organization may face anumber of challenges in processing claims. Some of these challenges mayinclude assessment of liability, threat of litigation, and experiencelevel of claims adjusters. A motor vehicle accident claims organizationmay add value to the liability assessment process by producing asolution that enhances the liability assessment process and increasesthe effectiveness of the claims adjuster .

[0006] Assessment of liability is one important challenge facing aclaims organization. It is believed that a large percentage of motorvehicle accident claims may be assessed at 100% liability against theinsured when the claimant may actually share in the fault. While it maybe difficult to pinpoint exact reasons for this practice among claimsadjusters, several factors influencing the tendency to assess 100%liability against the insured may include, but are not limited to,ineffective negotiation, large case loads, inadequate time toeffectively assess liability, and a desire to settle claims quickly toavoid litigation.

[0007] Considering the litigious nature of claimants, and the presenceof claimant counsel during negotiations, claims adjusters may need torigorously investigate characteristics of a motor vehicle accidentscene, duties of the insured, and contributing actions of the claimantbefore assessing liability.

[0008] The experience level of claims adjusters may typically be low dueto a lack of longevity in such a position. Over the years, a dramaticshortening of the training regimen for most new claims adjusters mayreduce the effectiveness of claims adjusters. In addition, the lack ofexperienced claims adjusters available to advise and teach new claimsadjusters worsens the situation. Furthermore, new claims adjusters maynot be as knowledgeable in claims adjusting practices and the laws oftheir jurisdiction, as are senior claims adjusters, and consequentlythey may make “best guess” assessments. Therefore, a lack of trained andexperienced claims adjusters may tend to produce an inadequate and/orinequitable assessment process.

[0009] Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a system andmethod to assess fault or liability in motor vehicle accidents byrelying on expert knowledge collected from experienced claims adjustersregarding the influence of multiple characteristics of a motor vehicleaccident proportional to the liability of the claimant and the insured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention relates to acomputer-implemented method for estimating liability in an accident.

[0011] In one embodiment, liability estimation in a vehicle accident maybe based on multiple characteristics that describe the accident.Characteristics that describe either a real, a past, or a theoreticalaccident may include but are not limited to, roadway configuration,accident type, traffic controls at the vehicle accident scene, right ofway, and impact points of each motor vehicle. The right of way may beestablished from real characteristics of a vehicle accident andquestions about the real characteristics. At least one of the realcharacteristics may include: roadway configuration, accident type, rightof way, or traffic control. Alternatively, a claims adjuster may specifythe right of way.

[0012] The real set of characteristics may be compared to past ortheoretical characteristics to determine a set of matchingcharacteristics. The liability for the real accident may be based on anestimate of liability associated with the matching set of past ortheoretical characteristics. The estimated liability for the realaccident determined in this way may be a base liability.

[0013] The liabilities associated with the characteristics of the pastor theoretical accident may be associated with an impact group inaddition to other characteristics of a real accident. An impact groupmay include a pair of impact points for a past or theoretical accident.A pair of impact points may include an impact point for each of twovehicles involved in an accident. Each pair of impact points may beassociated with two values of base liability: a lower bound of liabilityand an upper bound of liability. One set of values may correspond to onevehicle with the right of way, and the other set of values maycorrespond to the other vehicle having the right of way. Each of thepairs of impact points in a given impact group may have the same baseliability and lower and upper bound of liability.

[0014] Effects on the liability due to factors specific to the vehicle,driver, and environment may be taken into account by identifyingspecific factors that may be relevant to the real accident. Factors forpast or theoretical accidents may be associated with estimates of acontribution to liability. An estimate of the contribution of thefactors to liability in the real accident may be determined byassociating the factors relevant to the real accident with the estimatesof the contribution of the factors for the past or theoreticalaccidents.

[0015] The contribution of the factors to the liability may also beadjusted. The adjustments may take into account sets of characteristicscorresponding to the real accident and/or the preference of a claimsorganization. A situational weight (i.e., an adjustment related to thecharacteristics of a specific accident) may be based on knowledgeobtained from experienced claims adjusters. Alternatively, thesituational weight may be inferred from answers to a series of questionsrelating to the factor and accident.

[0016] The individual factors may be adjusted by a ranking factor thataccounts for the preference of the claims organization. Furthermore, thesum of the contribution of the factors to liability may be adjusted by afactor influence that may also account for the preference of a claimsorganization.

[0017] The contribution of a factor may be so significant that it may benecessary to perform a further adjustment. Such a factor may adjust theliability beyond the lower and upper bounds defined for the liability.The contribution of the factor may be ignored and an absolute liabilityvalue may be assigned to be the liability estimate.

[0018] The liability might be expressed as a range rather than a singlevalue. The range may be created using a range radius. The range radiusmay be a percentage value that may be added to and subtracted from thefinal liability to create the range.

[0019] A knowledge acquisition utility may be used to determine impactgroups for a given set of characteristics of a past or theoreticalaccident. An impact group may be a collection of pairs of impact points.Each of the pairs of impact points in the impact group may have the sameliability and lower and upper bounds of liability. Experienced claimsadjusters may use the knowledge acquisition utility to determine thenumber of impact groups for each set of characteristics and the impactpoint pairs in each impact group.

[0020] A claims organization may employ experienced claims adjusters touse a tuning utility to estimate characteristics and properties of pastor theoretical accidents such as base liabilities and lower and upperbounds of liabilities. Characteristics and properties may be enteredinto a knowledge acquisition utility associated with the tuning utility.The user may then run pre-configured test scenarios, analyze theresults, and refine the characteristics and properties as necessary. Theprocedure may be repeated until the user is satisfied.

[0021] A computer-implemented method for estimating liability in avehicle accident may include several steps. The user may provide to acomputer system claim data regarding the vehicle accident in a graphicaluser interface. The user may provide to a computer system data for eachvehicle involved in a vehicle accident. The user may provide dataregarding characteristics of the vehicle accident. To assist the user inproviding data regarding characteristics of the vehicle accident, thecomputer system may display graphical representations of thecharacteristics such as the roadway configurations, accident types, andimpact points. The user may identify discords within the entered data.The user may determine a most likely set of characteristics associatedwith the real accident. As needed, the user may consult a legalreference system to determine legal information specific to thejurisdiction in which the accident occurred. The user may be providedwith an assessment report that summarizes the estimate of liability,data used to determine the estimate, and negotiating points regardingthe estimate.

[0022] The assessment of liability in a vehicle accident may involveanalysis of multiple statements of the description of an accident. Inone embodiment, the consistency between different witness statements maybe assessed. A graphical user interface used for estimating liabilitymay be used to collect information from witness statements. The computersystem may compare details given in each witness description. The systemmay present the results of the comparison in tabular form, listing foreach party, its version of the detail described. Details withinconsistent versions may be noted in the tabulation of results.

[0023] In one embodiment for analysis of witness statements, a graphicaluser interface for estimating liability may be combined with accidentreconstruction methodology to assess the credibility of details inwitness accident descriptions. Accident reconstruction software may beapplied to determine details relating to speed, time, and distance ofthe vehicles involved in the accident. The credibility of a witnessstatement may be evaluated according to its consistency with the resultsof the accident reconstruction software.

[0024] In one embodiment, a graphical user interface for estimatingliability may be combined with a credibility assessment method to createa reliable accident description. The details relevant to the accidentmay be tested by a credibility assessment method such as accidentreconstruction software. The most credible version of the details maythen be combined into a single, reliable version of an accidentdescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] A better understanding of the present invention may be obtainedwhen the following detailed description of preferred embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026]FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a network diagram of a wide areanetwork suitable for implementing various embodiments;

[0027]FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a computer system suitable forimplementing various embodiments;

[0028]FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of an embodiment of a liabilityestimation process;

[0029]FIG. 4 is a diagram representing accident types according to oneembodiment;

[0030]FIG. 5 is a diagram representing roadway configurations accordingto one embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 6 is a roadway configuration/accident type matrix ofapplicability according to one embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 7a is a flowchart for determining the right of way accordingto one embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 7b is a group of flowcharts corresponding to the flowchart inFIG. 5a according to one embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating impact points on a motor vehicleaccording to one embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 8b is a table of impact groups for roadwayconfiguration/accident type combinations according to one embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 9a includes tables illustrating a first method of assessingthe contribution of factors to the liability according to oneembodiment;

[0037]FIG. 9b includes a table illustrating a second method of assessingthe contribution of factors to the liability according to oneembodiment;

[0038]FIG. 9c includes a table illustrating a third method of assessingthe contribution of factors to the liability according to oneembodiment;

[0039]FIG. 10a is a flowchart for assessing the contribution of alcoholusage to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to a firstembodiment;

[0040]FIG. 10b is a flowchart for assessing the contribution of alcoholusage to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to a secondembodiment;

[0041]FIG. 11 is a flowchart for assessing the contribution of aconstruction zone to liability in a motor vehicle accident according toone embodiment;

[0042]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for assessing the contribution ofcorrective lenses to liability in a motor vehicle accident according toone embodiment;

[0043]FIG. 13 is a flowchart for assessing the contribution ofdefective, obscured, or missing traffic control to liability in a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment;

[0044]FIG. 14 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of driverinattention to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0045]FIG. 15 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of driverinexperience to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0046]FIG. 16 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of takingan illicit drug to liability in a motor vehicle accident according toone embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 17 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of taking amedication to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0048]FIG. 18 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of fatigueto liability in a motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment;

[0049]FIG. 19 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of faultyequipment to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0050]FIG. 20a is a flowchart for estimating the contribution offollowing too closely to liability in a motor vehicle accident accordingto a first embodiment;

[0051]FIG. 20b is a flowchart for estimating the contribution offollowing too closely to liability in a motor vehicle accident accordingto a second embodiment;

[0052]FIG. 20c is a table for estimating the contribution of followingtoo closely to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 20b;

[0053]FIG. 21 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution ofheadlights being off to liability in a motor vehicle accident accordingto one embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 22 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of highbeams being on to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0055]FIG. 23 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of illnessto liability in a motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment;

[0056]FIG. 24a is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of animproper lane change to liability in a motor vehicle accident accordingto one embodiment;

[0057]FIG. 24b is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 24a according to oneembodiment;

[0058]FIG. 25 is a logic diagram for estimating the contribution ofimproper parking to liability in a motor vehicle accident according toone embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 26 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of impropersignaling to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0060]FIG. 27 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of anobstructed view or glare to liability in a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 28 are flowcharts for estimating the contribution of the roadcondition to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0062]FIG. 29 are flowcharts for estimating the contribution of the roadcharacter to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0063]FIG. 30 are flowcharts for estimating the contribution of the roadsurface to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0064]FIG. 31a is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of speedto liability in a motor vehicle accident according to a firstembodiment;

[0065]FIG. 31b is a flowchart for estimating the maximum safe speed forgiven road and weather conditions according to the first embodiment;

[0066]FIG. 31c is a table illustrating the contribution of speed to amotor vehicle accident according to the first embodiment;

[0067]FIG. 32a is a flowchart for estimating the contribution of speedto liability in a motor vehicle accident according to a secondembodiment;

[0068]FIG. 32b is a flowchart for estimating the maximum safe speed forgiven road and weather conditions according to the second embodiment;

[0069]FIG. 32c is a table illustrating the contribution of speed to amotor vehicle accident according to the second embodiment;

[0070]FIGS. 33a, 33 b, 33 c, 33 d, 33 e, and 33 f are flowcharts forestimating the contribution of a sudden stop or swerving to liability ina motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment;

[0071]FIG. 34 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution oftaillights or brake lights being off when they should have been on toliability in a motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment;

[0072]FIG. 35 is a flowchart for estimating the contribution ofvisibility to liability in a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment;

[0073]FIG. 36 is a flowchart and table for estimating the contributionof disobeyed signs or markings to liability in a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment;

[0074]FIG. 37 illustrates the adjustment of a liability estimate by thefactor influence according to one embodiment;

[0075]FIG. 38 is a screen shot of a window from a Knowledge Acquisitionutility or tuning utility for selecting a roadway configuration/accidenttype combination according to one embodiment;

[0076]FIG. 39 is a screen shot of an editing combination window from aKnowledge Acquisition utility or tuning utility according to oneembodiment;

[0077]FIG. 40 is a screen shot of a window for editing the estimateeffect of a factor according to one embodiment;

[0078]FIG. 41 is a screen shot of a Knowledge Acquisition utility ortuning utility for displaying pairs of impact points according to oneembodiment;

[0079]FIG. 42 is a screen shot of a claim Data window according to oneembodiment;

[0080]FIG. 43 is a screen shot of a Vehicle Information frame accordingto one embodiment;

[0081]FIG. 44 is a screen shot of an Additional Information frameaccording to one embodiment;

[0082]FIG. 45 is a screen shot of a Parties Information frame accordingto one embodiment;

[0083]FIG. 46 is a screen shot of a Legal Reference window according toone embodiment;

[0084]FIG. 47 is a screen shot of a Right of Way data frame according toone embodiment;

[0085]FIG. 48 is a screen shot of a Traffic Controls data frameaccording to one embodiment;

[0086]FIG. 49 is a screen shot of a Impact Points data frame accordingto one embodiment;

[0087]FIG. 50 is a screen shot of a Discords Report frame according toone embodiment;

[0088]FIG. 51 is a screen shot of a Factors Input frame according to oneembodiment;

[0089]FIG. 52 is a screen shot of a Conflict Identification frameaccording to one embodiment;

[0090]FIG. 53 is a screen shot of a Review frame according to oneembodiment;

[0091]FIG. 54 is a screen shot of a Manual Assessment window accordingto one embodiment; and

[0092]FIG. 55 is a screen shot of the Consultation Report windowaccording to one embodiment.

[0093] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

[0094]FIG. 1 illustrates a wide area network (“WAN”) according to oneembodiment. WAN 102 may be a network that spans a relatively largegeographical area. The Internet is an example of WAN 102. WAN 102typically includes a plurality of computer systems that may beinterconnected through one or more networks. Although one particularconfiguration is shown in FIG. 1, WAN 102 may include a variety ofheterogeneous computer systems and networks that may be interconnectedin a variety of ways and that may run a variety of softwareapplications.

[0095] One or more local area networks (“LANs”) 104 may be coupled toWAN 102. LAN 104 may be a network that spans a relatively small area.Typically, LAN 104 may be confined to a single building or group ofbuildings. Each node (i.e., individual computer system or device) on LAN104 may have its own CPU with which it may execute programs, and eachnode may also be able to access data and devices anywhere on LAN 104.LAN 104, thus, may allow many users to share devices (e.g., printers)and data stored on file servers. LAN 104 may be characterized by avariety of types of topology (i.e., the geometric arrangement of deviceson the network), of protocols (i.e., the rules and encodingspecifications for sending data, and whether the network uses apeer-to-peer or client/server architecture), and of media (e.g.,twisted-pair wire, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and/or radiowaves).

[0096] Each LAN 104 may include a plurality of interconnected computersystems and optionally one or more other devices such as one or moreworkstations 110 a, one or more personal computers 112 a, one or morelaptop or notebook computer systems 114, one or more server computersystems 116, and one or more network printers 118. As illustrated inFIG. 1, an example LAN 104 may include one of each computer systems 110a, 112 a, 114, and 116, and one printer 118. LAN 104 may be coupled toother computer systems and/or other devices and/or other LANs 104through WAN 102.

[0097] One or more mainframe computer systems 120 may be coupled to WAN102. As shown, mainframe 120 may be coupled to a storage device or fileserver 124 and mainframe terminals 122 a, 122 b, and 122 c. Mainframeterminals 122 a, 122 b, and 122 c may access data stored in the storagedevice or file server 124 coupled to or included in mainframe computersystem 120.

[0098] WAN 102 may also include computer systems connected to WAN 102individually and not through LAN 104 for purposes of example,workstation 110 b and personal computer 112 b. For example, WAN 102 mayinclude computer systems that may be geographically remote and connectedto each other through the Internet.

[0099]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of computer system 150 that maybe suitable for implementing various embodiments of a system and methodfor assessment of liability in a motor vehicle accident by consideringcharacteristics that describe such an accident combined with expertknowledge collected from experienced claims adjusters. Each computersystem 150 typically includes components such as CPU 152 with anassociated memory medium such as floppy disks 160. The memory medium maystore program instructions for computer programs. The programinstructions may be executable by CPU 152. Computer system 150 mayfurther include a display device such as monitor 154, an alphanumericinput device such as keyboard 156, and a directional input device suchas mouse 158. Computer system 150 may be operable to execute thecomputer programs to implement assessment of liability in a motorvehicle accident by considering characteristics that describe such anaccident combined with expert knowledge collected from experiencedclaims adjusters.

[0100] Computer system 150 may include a memory medium on which computerprograms according to various embodiments may be stored. The term“memory medium” is intended to include an installation medium, e.g., aCD-ROM or floppy disks 160, a computer system memory such as DRAM, SRAM,EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc., or a non-volatile memory such as a magneticmedia, e.g., a hard drive or optical storage. The memory medium may alsoinclude other types of memory or combinations thereof. In addition, thememory medium may be located in a first computer which executes theprograms or may be located in a second different computer which connectsto the first computer over a network. In the latter instance, the secondcomputer may provide the program instructions to the first computer forexecution. Also, computer system 150 may take various forms such as apersonal computer system, mainframe computer system, workstation,network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digital assistant(“PDA”), television system or other device. In general, the term“computer system” may refer to any device having a processor thatexecutes instructions from a memory medium.

[0101] The memory medium may store a software program or programsoperable to implement a method for assessment of liability in a motorvehicle accident by considering characteristics that describe such anaccident combined with expert knowledge collected from experiencedclaims adjusters. The software program(s) may be implemented in variousways, including, but not limited to, procedure-based techniques,component-based techniques, and/or object-oriented techniques, amongothers. For example, the software programs may be implemented usingActiveX controls, C++ objects, JavaBeans, Microsoft Foundation Classes(“MFC”), browser-based applications (e.g., Java applets), traditionalprograms, or other technologies or methodologies, as desired. A CPU suchas host CPU 152 executing code and data from the memory medium mayinclude a means for creating and executing the software program orprograms according to the embodiments described herein.

[0102] Various embodiments may also include receiving or storinginstructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoingdescription upon a carrier medium. Suitable carrier media may includestorage media or memory media such as magnetic or optical media, e.g.,disk or CD-ROM, as well as signals such as electrical, electromagnetic,or digital signals, may be conveyed via a communication medium such asnetworks 102 and/or 104 and/or a wireless link.

[0103]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a liability estimationprocess for vehicle accidents according to one embodiment. As usedherein, the term “liability” generally refers to an amount for which aperson or party is responsible or obligated. In an embodiment, liabilityin an accident may be expressed in a ratio or percentage (e.g., there isa total of 100% liability that can be attributed to persons, parties, orother factors such as weather, etc.). In another embodiment, liabilitymay be expressed as a dollar amount.

[0104] An embodiment may apply to accidents involving many differenttypes of vehicles (e.g., automobiles, light trucks, heavy trucks, motorcycles, school buses, vans, commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, motorhomes, recreational vehicles, commercial buses, farming relatedvehicles, tractors). It is anticipated that an embodiment may apply toaccidents involving other types of transportation craft such as boatsand airplanes. It is also anticipated that an embodiment may apply toother types of accidents such as premises liability, which may includeslip, trip and fall, dog bite, food poisoning, etc.

[0105] When two or more vehicles are involved in a motor vehicleaccident, typically an estimation of liability is needed in order tosettle a claim that a claimant may make against an insured. As usedherein, the term “claimant” generally refers to a party involved in anaccident that seeks compensation for bodily injury and/or propertydamage from the claims organization of an insurance carrier of anotherparty, the insured, involved in the accident. As used herein, the term“insured” generally refers to a party involved in an accident who holdsan insurance policy with a claims organization of an insurance carrierthat obligates the claims organization of an insurance carrier tocompensate a third party for the portion of the damages suffered by thethird party that was the fault of the insured party in the accident.

[0106] The estimation of liability may be a complicated processinvolving multiple characteristics. Gathering the characteristics maytypically be a task completed by a claims adjuster. As used herein, theterm “claims adjuster” generally refers to an individual employed by aclaims organization of an insurance carrier who assesses the liabilityof each party involved in an accident. When the claims adjuster hascollected some or all of the information available, the claims adjustermay enter the information into a computer system. Examples of data inputscreens that may be suitable for entering accident information into acomputer are shown in FIGS. 42-55.

[0107] The claims adjuster may provide to a computer system a real setof characteristics relating to a real accident. As used herein the term“real characteristics” generally refers to characteristics that describean accident being considered for liability assessment. The computersystem may have access to a memory that contains sets of characteristicsthat correspond to past or theoretical accidents. As used herein, theterm “past accident” generally refers to an accident that occurred inthe past of which certain characteristics may be stored in a memory of acomputer system. As used herein, the term “theoretical accident”generally refers to an accident that might occur. The computer systemmay be configured to provide an estimate of liability for each set ofcharacteristics in the memory.

[0108] The computer system may correlate the real set of characteristicsfrom the real accident to the sets of characteristics in the memory todetermine a set of characteristics that most closely approximates ormatches the real set of characteristics. The computer system may thenuse the estimates of liability for the sets of characteristics in thememory to estimate liability for the real accident. It is anticipatedthat one or more of the sets of characteristics may be used to estimateliability.

[0109]FIG. 3 provides an overview of an embodiment of a liabilityestimation process based on multiple characteristics that may describe avehicle accident. In step 301, a claims adjuster may identify a set ofreal characteristics relating to a real accident. A set of realcharacteristics may include, but are not limited to, roadwayconfiguration, accident type, and impact points of each motor vehicle.Additionally, the real set of characteristics may include identificationof traffic controls at the scene of the accident. Screen shotsillustrating examples of providing each of these characteristics to acomputer system may be found as follows: roadway configurations in FIG.47, accident types in FIG. 47, traffic controls in FIG. 48, and impactpoints in FIG. 49.

[0110] In step 302, the right of way (“ROW”) may be established by acomputer system from one or more of the real characteristics.Additionally, the computer system may ask one or more questions aboutthe real accident to establish the ROW. At least one of the realcharacteristics may include a roadway configuration, an accident type,or a traffic control. FIGS. 7a and 7 b show flowcharts that illustratean embodiment of right of way determination. Alternatively, the claimsadjuster may specify the ROW.

[0111] In step 303, a base liability may be estimated from a table ordatabase of characteristics that contain sets of characteristics thatcorrespond to past or theoretical accidents. As used herein, the term“base liability” generally refers to the portion of the liability thatis independent of factors specific to condition of vehicles in theaccident, condition of drivers in the accident, actions of drivers inthe accident, and environmental conditions common to vehicles in theaccident. A computer system may have access to a memory that containssets of characteristics such as roadway configuration, accident type,traffic control, right of way, and impact points of the vehiclesinvolved in the vehicle accidents that correspond to past or theoreticalaccidents. Each of the sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents may be associated with an estimate of base liability. FIGS. 37to 41 are screen shots of a knowledge acquisition utility and a tuningutility that may be utilized to input base liability information into acomputer system. The utilities may be used to create a database of setsof characteristics that correspond to past or theoretical accidents.

[0112] The computer system may compare the real set of characteristicsestablished or identified in the earlier steps (e.g., roadwayconfiguration, accident type, traffic control, right of way, impactpoints) to the sets of characteristics relating to past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to past or theoretical accidents.The computer may then determine an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristicsrelating to past or theoretical accidents. It is anticipated that acomputer system may be configured to provide an estimate of liabilityusing at least one of the sets of characteristics that correspond topast or theoretical accidents.

[0113] In step 304, the claims adjuster may identify to the computersystem one or more factors corresponding to a real accident. The factorsmay include characteristics specific to condition of vehicles in theaccident, condition of drivers in the accident, actions of drivers inthe accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in theaccident. The computer system may have access to a memory that containscorresponding factors associated with one or more past or theoreticalaccidents. One or more of the factors associated with past ortheoretical accidents may be associated with an estimate of the effecton liability of the factor. The computer system may compare the factorsassociated with the real accident to factors associated with past ortheoretical accidents to determine one or more nearest matching factors.Estimates of the effect on liability of the determined nearest matchingfactors may be used to estimate the effect on liability of the factorsassociated with the real accident. FIG. 51 is a screen shot showing agraphical user interface for entering conditional factors into acomputer system.

[0114] In some embodiments, the estimate of the effect on liability ofeach factor may be adjustable. For example, the adjustments may be dueto sets of characteristics corresponding to the real accident, thepreference of a claims organization, knowledge of an experienced claimsadjuster, or requirements of a jurisdiction in which the accident tookplace. FIGS. 10a through 36 illustrate several embodiments of estimatesof the effect on liability of several factors which may be associatedwith theoretical accidents. It is anticipated that there are othermethods than those shown in and described in reference to FIGS. 10a to36 to estimate effects on liability due to the contribution of variousfactors.

[0115] In step 305, any necessary adjustments to the base liabilityestimated in step 303 due to contributions from factors estimated in 304may be made. One example of a necessary adjustment may be an AbsoluteLiability Value. As used herein, the term “Absolute Liability Value”(“ALV”) is generally defined as a factor that makes a significantcontribution to liability such as negating the effect of other factorsor characteristics associated with the accident. An ALV may also bedefined as a factor that may adjust the liability beyond the lower andupper bounds defined for the liability. However, an ALV may not alwaysshift liability to the other party. For example, an ALV might simplyabsolve one party of liability and explain the accident as beingunavoidable. In such a situation, the contribution of various factorsand characteristics may be ignored and an ALV may be assigned. Forexample, if a person had a sudden, unforeseen heart attack that causedan accident, the base liability might be determined to be 75 percent,but the final liability may be set via an ALV at 0 percent because theaccident was probably unavoidable.

[0116] In step 306, all of the previously entered information may betaken into account and processed. Reference to expert knowledgedatabases, and other static information (such as jurisdictionalinformation) may be made in calculating a range of liability. A range ofliability may be more suitable than a single value in negotiationsbetween parties regarding fault.

[0117]FIG. 4 illustrates graphical representations of various differentaccident types involving motor vehicles according to one embodiment. Thearrows represent the paths of motor vehicle A and motor vehicle B at ornear the time of the accident. Solid lines with no arrows represent theedge of a roadway. Dashed lines represent lanes. The user may select anaccident type that corresponds to the real vehicle accident as shown inthe screen shot in FIG. 47. As used herein, the term “user” generallyrefers to a claims adjuster or another individual employed by a claimsorganization. Accident types graphically represented in FIG. 4 mayinclude: (1) a rear ender, (2) a left turn crossing traffic, (3) a leftturn across traffic, (4) a left turn entering traffic, (5) a right turnentering traffic, (6) dual turns to same lane, (7) concurrent leftturns, (8) a U-turn, (9) a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromright, (10) a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left (e.g. on aone way street), (11) a merge from the left, (12) a merge from theright, (13) concurrent merges to a single lane, (14) a collision with aparked vehicle, (15) a collision while backing, (16) a head on, and (17)a straight cross traffic collision. Additionally, in some embodiments, aright turn across traffic accident type (not shown) may be represented.

[0118]FIG. 5 illustrates graphical representations of various differentroadway configurations according to one embodiment. The user may selectone of the roadway configurations that correspond to a real vehicleaccident as shown in the screen shot in FIG. 47. Roadway configurationsgraphically represented in FIG. 5 may include: (A) a two or more laneroad (including a divided road with a median that may be crossed), wherethe solid lines are the roadway and the space between is the median; (B)a four-way intersection with the lines representing the crossingroadways; (C) a T-angle intersection (the T-angle that may vary), wherethe solid lines are the roadway and where the dashed line represents thevariation of the angle of the intersection; (D) a merging of one roadwayinto another with no turns and in one direction with the arrows showingthe direction of the vehicles; (E) a curve with the lines showing theroadway; (F) a parking lot with two-way traffic where the arrows showthe direction of the vehicles, the vertical lines represent the boundaryof the parking lot, and the spaces between the horizontal linesrepresent the parking spaces; (G) a parking lot with one way trafficwhere the arrow shows the direction of the vehicles, the vertical linesrepresent the boundary of the parking lot, and the spaces between thediagonal lines represent the parking spaces; (H) a center turn lane withthe bold lines representing the boundary of the roadway, the thin linesmarking the boundary between the driving lanes and the center turn lane,and the arrows representing the direction of the center lane turns; (I)a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier with the thickercenter line representing the physical barrier and the thinner linesrepresenting the outer boundaries of the roadway.

[0119] Alternatively, the roadway configurations of the parking lots,(F) and (G), may be represented by a single diagram, (FG), shown in FIG.5. (FG) is the same as (F), except that the parking spaces on the rightof the diagram are formed by diagonal lines. In an embodiment, (FG) maybe used to represent a parking lot of any configuration.

[0120]FIG. 6 is a matrix illustrating the applicable roadwayconfiguration/accident type combinations in liability estimationaccording to one embodiment. Accident types, (1) to (17) from FIG. 4,are listed on the vertical axis. Roadway configurations, (A) to (I) fromFIG. 5, are listed on the horizontal axis. The alternativerepresentation of the parking lots (F) and (G), (FG) is also included onthe horizontal axis.

[0121] Experienced claims adjusters may consider combinations labeled“N” to be implausible accident scenarios and, therefore, not significantin liability assessment of motor vehicle accidents. Thus, combinationslabeled “Y” may be considered a set of theoretical accident scenarios.FIG. 38 is a screen shot of a Knowledge Acquisition Utility, which showsa matrix of roadway configuration/accident types similar to FIG. 6. InFIG. 38, the elements of the matrix labeled with a “—” indicateimplausible combinations. In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the implausiblecombinations are a subset of the combinations labeled with an “N” inFIG. 6 because the knowledge acquisition utility allows the user toconsider some implausible combinations. An example of a combinationmarked as implausible in both FIG. 6 and 38 is D2, left turn crossingtraffic on a merge with no turns in one direction. An example of acombination that may be considered implausible in FIG. 6, but may beallowed for consideration in FIG. 38 is I16, a head on collision on a 2or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.

[0122]FIG. 7a and 7 b depict flowcharts for determining whether vehicleA or vehicle B has the right of way in traffic according to oneembodiment. As used herein, the term “right of way” generally refers tothe right of a vehicle to take precedence in traffic. The determinationof right of way may require identification of one or more of thecharacteristics of the real accident (e.g., the roadway configuration,accident type, traffic control, or jurisdiction). Additionally,determining the right of way may require answering one or more questionsconcerning the accident. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the rightof way may be specified by the user. FIG. 7b includes flowcharts ofdeterminations that appear in the flowchart in FIG. 7a. In FIG. 7b, theIntersection flowchart identifies the accident types that involveintersections. The Perpendicular Directions flowchart identifies theaccident types that involve vehicles approaching from perpendiculardirections. In Adjuster Preference, the claims adjuster may eitherassign the right of way to vehicle A or B, or defer to the insurancecarrier's or claims organization's preference.

[0123] As shown by decision point 501 in FIG. 7a, the determination ofthe right of way may depend on the accident types illustrated in FIG. 4.The right of way may be determined from the accident type alone in somecases. For example, in accident types 9 and 10, merge of a parkedvehicle, the vehicle already in traffic may have the right of way.Likewise, in accident types 11 and 12, the merge of a moving vehicle,the vehicle already in the lane may have the right of way. Thesedeterminations are shown by step 503 in which vehicle A in accident typediagrams 9, 10, 11 and 12 in FIG. 4 has the right of way. Additionally,as depicted in step 505, vehicle A may be determined to have the rightof way if vehicle A is parked (accident type 14) or vehicle B is backingup (accident type 15).

[0124] For accident type 1, decision point 507 shows that the right ofway may depend on which vehicle was ahead in the rear-ender. If vehicleB was ahead (as depicted in FIG. 4), step 511 shows that B may have theright of way. If vehicle A was ahead, step 509 shows that A may have theright of way. Alternatively, if it is unknown which vehicle was ahead(e.g., due to the circumstances or severity of the accident), step 513indicates that the right of way may be undetermined. For an undeterminedright of way the base liability of each vehicle may be set at 50%.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 7a, for accident types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13,16, and 17, the first step 515 is the intersection decision point, whichis determination of whether the accident occurred at an intersection.The intersection flowchart is illustrated in FIG. 7b. Decision point 582indicates that the presence of an intersection may be found from theaccident type. If the accident type is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 17, step583 indicates that there may be an intersection. If the accident type is1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, step 584 indicates an intersectionmay not be present. Alternately, in some embodiments, the presence of anintersection may be determined from roadway configuration informationprovided by the user. For example, roadway configurations A, E, F, G, Iand FG may indicate that in intersection may not be present. Roadwayconfigurations B, C, D, and H may indicate that an intersection may bepresent.

[0126]FIG. 7a shows that if there is no intersection, the next step isdecision point 519. Decision point 519 is the determination of whichvehicle left the lane it was in. As shown by steps 521 and 523, thevehicle that remained in the lane it was in may have the right of way.Alternatively, if both vehicles left their lanes, step 525 indicatesthat the right of way may be undetermined. In this case, the baseliability may be assessed at 50% for each vehicle.

[0127]FIG. 7a shows that when there is an intersection, the next step isdecision point 517 which is a determination of whether there is atraffic control for either vehicle A or B. If not, decision point 529indicates that the right of way may depend on which vehicle left thelane it was in. Steps 531, 533, and 535 are analogous to steps 521, 523,and 525. However, if neither vehicle left the lane it was in, step 525indicates that the vehicle that controls the intersection may have theright of way as shown by flowchart 537. The vehicle that controls theintersection may be determined by flowchart 537 shown in FIG. 7b.Decision point 589 in FIG. 7b is the first step in determining whocontrols the intersection. Decision point 589 asks which vehicle arrivedat the intersection first. As shown by steps 590 and 591, the vehiclethat arrived first at an intersection may control it. If neither vehiclearrived first, decision point 592 asks which vehicle is to the right.Steps 593 and 594 show that the vehicle to the right may control theintersection.

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, if the answer to decision point 517 isyes, then decision point 527 is next which asks the type of trafficcontrol. Decision point 539, which is reached if the traffic control isa sign, asks if the sign is obscured or down. If the sign is obscured ordown, step 543 shows that right of way may be determined by theadjuster. Adjuster determination is shown by the flowchart in FIG. 7b.Decision point 585 in FIG. 7b is the adjuster's answer for whichvehicle, A or B, has the right of way, which is shown as steps 586 and587. If the adjuster does not have an answer, then the right of way maybe the carrier's preference as shown by step 588.

[0129] However, if the answer to decision point 539 is no, decisionpoint 545 asks which vehicle had a non-yielding traffic control. Step547 shows that if A had the non-yielding traffic control, then B mayhave the right of way. Step 549 shows that if B had the non-yieldingtraffic control, then A may have the right of way. Step 551 applies ifneither A nor B has the non-yielding traffic control. The right of waymay be determined by the vehicle that controls the intersection, whichmay be determined by the flowchart shown in FIG. 7b.

[0130] Alternatively, if the answer to decision point 527 is a trafficlight, then decision point 541 asks if the light was out for bothvehicles. If the light was out for both, then right of way may bedetermined by who controls the intersection, which is shown in FIG. 7b.If the answer to decision point 541 is no, decision point 555 asks ifthe light was out for only one vehicle. If the light was out for onlyone vehicle, then right of way may be found from adjuster determination,which is given by the flowchart in FIG. 7b. However, if the answer todecision point 555 is no, decision point 559 is reached. Decision point559 asks which vehicle has a non-yielding traffic control. As step 561shows, if A has the non-yielding traffic control and B does not, then Bmay have the right of way. As step 563 shows, if B has the non-yieldingtraffic control and A does not, then A may have the right of way. Ifneither A nor B has the non-yielding traffic control, then decisionpoint 565 is reached, which inquires whether both had a red light. Ifthe answer to decision point 565 is yes, the right of way may beundetermined, as shown in step 567. In this case, the base liability maybe assessed at 50% for each vehicle. If the answer to decision point 565is no, then right of way may be determined by the vehicle that controlsthe intersection. The vehicle that controls the intersection may bedetermined by the flowchart shown in FIG. 7b. If both vehicles indecision point 559 have non-yielding traffic controls, then decisionpoint 571 is reached. Decision point 571 asks whether the vehicles wereapproaching in perpendicular directions, which may be determined fromthe flowchart in FIG. 7b. As shown by decision point 595 in FIG. 7b,whether the vehicles were approaching in perpendicular directions may bedetermined from the accident types shown in FIG. 4. Step 596 shows thatthe answer is yes if the accident type is 3, 4, 5, or 17. Step 597 showsthat the answer is no if the accident type is 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, or 16. If the vehicles were approaching in perpendiculardirections, then right of way may be determined by the adjuster.Adjuster determination may be given by the flowchart in FIG. 7b. If thevehicles were not approaching in a perpendicular direction, thendecision point 529 shows that the right of way again may depend on whichvehicle left the lane it was in. Steps 577, 579, and 581 are analogousto steps 521, 523, and 525.

[0131] An example of a screen shot of user input of a traffic control isshown in FIG. 48. An example of a screen shot of user input of thejurisdiction is shown in FIG. 42. Jurisdiction may include each of thefifty states of the United States and territories of the United States.In another embodiment, jurisdiction may include any governmental entitywith traffic laws, such as a foreign country. The vehicle that does nothave the right of way may generally be referred to as the “tortfeasor”(“TF”) and the vehicle that has the right of way may generally bereferred to as the “other party” (“OP”). For the case of an undeterminedright of way, both parties may be considered the “other party” whendetermining the effect of one or more factors on the liability.

[0132] In an embodiment, a traffic control may be considered as“yielding” or “nonyielding.” As used herein, the term “yielding trafficcontrol” generally refers to a traffic control that informs a driverthat he or she must give way (or stop) for other traffic. As usedherein, the term “nonyielding traffic control” generally refers to atraffic control that informs the driver that he or she may proceed.Traffic controls may be further divided into three categories: pure,other explicit controlling devices, and markings and signs. Yieldingpure traffic controls may include, but are not limited to, no trafficcontrol present, a red light, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing redlight, or a police officer signaling stop. Nonyielding pure trafficcontrols may include, but are not limited to, a yellow light, a greenlight, a green arrow left, a green arrow right, a flashing yellow light,or a police officer signaling proceed.

[0133] Yielding other explicit controlling devices may include acrossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling stop, another personsignaling stop, and a school bus loading or unloading. Nonyielding otherexplicit controlling devices may include a crossing guard signalingproceed, a flagger signaling proceed, or another person signalingproceed. In some embodiments, emergency vehicle may also be yieldingtraffic controls depending upon the jurisdiction.

[0134] Whether a traffic control in the pure category overrides aselection in the other explicit controlling devices category may dependupon the jurisdiction. For example, whether a vehicle with a green lightmust yield to an approaching emergency vehicle may vary depending on thejurisdiction.

[0135] In one embodiment, a user may only select one traffic controlfrom each category. The user may not have to select a traffic controlfrom more than one category. If a user does select more than one, thenthe user may select which category should be considered as the governingcontrol. A secondary traffic control may be listed in a report asinformational only.

[0136] Markings and signs such as lane markings may also be trafficcontrols. In some embodiments, the presence of markings or signs may benoted for informational purposes. For example the presence of adisobeyed marking may be noted for use as a negotiation or talking pointrather than being used to estimate liability or right of way. Themarkings and signs may include, but are not limited to: a one way signor marking, a do not enter sign or marking, a no passing sign ormarking, a no parking zone sign or marking, a straight only sign ormarking, a left turn only sign or marking, a right turn only sign ormarking, no U turn sign or marking, a no right turn on red sign, conesand/or barricades, a solid yellow line, a solid white line, or a nostopping sign or marking.

[0137]FIG. 8a is an illustration of a graphical representation of theimpact points on a vehicle according to one embodiment. FIG. 8a is agraphical representation of a vehicle that is divided into twelvesections: 801-right front corner, 802-right front fender, 803-rightmiddle, 804-right rear quarter-panel, 805-right rear corner, 806-rearmiddle, 807-left rear corner, 808-left rear quarter-panel, 809-leftmiddle, 810-left front fender, 811-left front corner, and 812-frontmiddle. Each of the labeled sections may correspond to a possible pointof impact in a motor vehicle accident.

[0138]FIG. 8b is a table showing impact groups for combinations ofroadway configuration and accident type according to one embodiment. Agiven roadway configuration/accident type combination may have a numberof possible impact groups. As used herein, the term “impact group”generally refers to a collection of pairs of impact points for a past ortheoretical accidents. A pair of impact points may include the impactpoint for each of two vehicles involved in an accident. In someembodiments, each pair of impact points may be associated with sets ofliability estimate values. One set of values may correspond to vehicle Ahaving the right of way and the other set of values to vehicle B havingthe right of way. Each set of values may include a value of baseliability, a lower bound of liability, and an upper bound of liabilityfor each vehicle. Alternately, in some embodiments, each impact groupmay be associated with sets of values corresponding to base liabilityvalues. It is anticipated that there may be various ways to arrangeimpact points in impact groups.

[0139] For example, as shown in FIG. 8b, impact points associated withthe roadway configuration/accident type combination 2B (a four-wayintersection with vehicle A from top turning left and B from bottomgoing straight), may be grouped into four impact groups. A first impactgroup may include three pairs of impact points: A811B809, A811B810, andA810B808. A and B refer to motor vehicle A and motor vehicle B,respectively, and the numbers refer to points on the impact pointdiagram in FIG. 8a. For example, the impact point pair, A811B809,corresponds to vehicle A with an impact point on the left front fender(811) and vehicle B with an impact point on the left middle (809).

[0140] In an embodiment, each of the pairs of impact points in a givenimpact group may have the same base liability and lower and upper boundof liability. The estimation of the base liability values, lower andupper bounds of liabilities, and the impact groups may be estimated byexpert claims adjusters through a process called knowledge acquisition.

[0141] In an embodiment, the base liability and the bounds of theliability for two vehicles involved in an accident may be estimated fora real accident by first specifying the roadway configuration (as shownin FIG. 5), accident type (as shown in FIG. 4), and pair of impactpoints (as shown in FIG. 8a) of vehicles A and B for the real accident.The vehicle that had the right of way may be determined as shown inFIGS. 7a and 7 b. A table, like the one shown in FIG. 8b, may besearched for the impact group corresponding to the given roadwayconfiguration/accident type combination that contains the specified pairof impact points that correspond to a past or theoretical accident. Oncethe roadway configuration/accident type combination and impact group ofthe past or theoretical accident are known, the base liability andbounds may be extracted from a table in a database that lists the baseliabilities and bounds for each impact group for all applicable roadwayconfiguration/accident type combinations.

[0142]FIG. 9a illustrates an embodiment of a method of estimating theeffect of one or more factors on the liability. Factor adjustments maybe considered for each vehicle based on data specific to condition ofvehicles in the accident, condition of drivers in the accident, actionsof drivers in the accident, or environmental conditions common tovehicles in the accident. Each factor may have an associated penaltyvalue that may correspond to an amount that an experienced claimsadjuster may add to the base liability when this factor is presentalone. A user may identify the presence of factors in a real accidentand provide a list of factors to the computer system.

[0143] In an embodiment, factors related to the condition of vehicles inthe accident may include the presence of faulty equipment. As usedherein, the term “faulty equipment” generally refers to any vehicleequipment malfunction that causes an action (e.g., stuck acceleratorcauses unwanted acceleration), prohibits the operator from taking action(e.g., failed braking system prevents stopping), or fails to perform anaction (e.g., failed brake lights do not warn other drivers of braking).In an embodiment, factors related to environmental conditions common tothe vehicle may include, but are not limited to, presence of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road surface, a defective traffic control, weather orvisibility. In an embodiment, the factors related to a driver'scondition may include, but are not limited to, consumption of alcohol,consumption of illicit drugs, consumption of medications, driverinattention, lack of required corrective lenses, driver inexperience,driver fatigue, or driver illness. In an embodiment, factors related toa driver's actions may include, but are not limited to, following tooclosely, driving with headlights off, driving at an unsafe speed, asudden stop or swerve, driving with taillights brake lights off, unsafebacking, failure to take evasive action, driving with high beams on, animproper lane change, improper parking, or improper signaling.

[0144]FIG. 9a is an illustration of one embodiment for estimating theeffect on liability of one or more factors. The decision to apply aparticular factor in a given situation may be made by an experiencedclaims adjuster. In alternate embodiments, the factor may be applied bya computer system based on input provided by a claims adjuster. Thecomputer system may ask the claims adjuster one or more questionsregarding the accident. Based on answers provided by the claimsadjuster, the computer system may determine that one or more factorsapply.

[0145] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9a, the effect of a factor onthe liability may be adjusted by a situational weight for each roadwayconfiguration/accident type and vehicle. A situational weight may havefour levels: N/A (factor not applicable), low, normal, and high. Anexperienced claims adjuster may determine an appropriate situationalweight to apply. In an alternate embodiment, a computer system may beconfigured to determine an appropriate situational weight based oninformation provided by a claims adjuster. For example, in a rear-ender,a factor related to the consumption of alcohol (e.g., being drunk) maybe considered more important than it is in other types of accidents.Therefore, the situational weight may be “high” for the rear vehicle.However, whether the driver of the lead vehicle has consumed alcohol maybe irrelevant. Thus, a situational weight of “N/A” may be assigned tothe factor. Each level of the situational weight may be assigned apercentage. For example, the situational weight may be 50 percent forlow and 150 percent for high.

[0146] In the example depicted in FIG. 9a, base liability values mayhave already been determined from a table of base liabilities of past ortheoretical accidents, as was described in reference to FIG. 8b. Forexample, the insurance carrier may have determined that the baseliability for the insured was 80%, with a lower bound of 50% and anupper bound of 100%. Consequently, base liability for the claimant maybe 20%.

[0147] In an embodiment, the levels of the situational weights (e.g.,N/A, low, normal, and high) may be represented as percent weights (e.g.,0%, 50%, 100%, and 150%, respectively). In some embodiments, for a givenfactor, the penalty value, the situational weight, the percent weight,and whether or not the factor may apply may be specified by the user. Ifthe factor applies, the adjusted penalty may be estimated by multiplyingthe penalty value by the percent weight associated with the determinedsituational weight. For example, the adjusted penalty of 22.5% foralcohol for the insured may be estimated by multiplying the penalty(e.g., 15%) by the percent weight (e.g., 150%) associated with thedetermined situational weight (e.g., “high”). In an embodiment, answersto questions in the flowcharts may be used to determine whether asituational weight associated with a factor is low, medium, high, or notapplicable.

[0148] In other embodiments, the penalty, and/or situational weight maynot be determined directly by a user. In such an embodiment, the penaltyand/or situational weight may be determined from the answers to a seriesof questions. The questions may be specific to one party (e.g., thetortfeasor or other party). The questions may relate to roadwayconfiguration, accident type, and/or other characteristics of theaccident. FIGS. 10a to 36 are flowcharts that depict methods ofdetermining penalties values associated with various factors. In theFIGS. 10a to 36, the penalty values may be represented in certain of theflowchart terminuses as percentage values. In certain flowcharts, thepenalty values may be represented by the terms “low,” “medium,” or“high.” These terms may represent variables that correspond to penaltyvalues. For example, the “low” term may correspond to a penalty value of10%, the “medium” term may correspond to a penalty value of 20%, and the“high” term may correspond to a penalty value of 30%. In someembodiments, the penalty values associated with each of these terms maybe configurable by the claims organization. In some embodiments, all ofthe penalty values determined by methods such as those depicted in FIGS.10a through 36 may be configurable by the claims organization.

[0149] In some cases, a factor may be determined to be a talking point(“TP”). As used herein, the term “talking point” generally refers to afactor that may not affect liability and may be informational onlybecause the liability may be inherent in the base liability for theroadway configuration/accident type combination and the right of way. Incertain embodiments, a computer system may gather information related toan accident and note for the user talking points identified from theinformation. Talking points may be useful if two or more parties mustcome to a negotiated agreement regarding the assessment of liabilityfrom the accident. A factor may also be determined to be an ALV.

[0150] In some embodiments, the situational weight for a factor may notbe controlled directly by the user. In such embodiments, a factorranking may be provided by the user to indirectly adjust the effect of afactor. For example, the user may rank factors on a scale of 0 to 5. Theranking factor may take into account the importance that a given factorhas to a claims organization when it is not related to thecharacteristics of a particular accident. A knowledge acquisitionutility may be provided via a computer system. The knowledge acquisitionutility may ask the user a series of questions related to one or morefactors, and determine a ranking factor from answers provided by theuser. Alternately, the user may be presented directly with a list orfactors and may be asked to rank each factor on a provided scale. Insuch embodiments, factors ranked as having a greater importance may beprovided a situational weight. Such a method may be used in someembodiments to determine penalty values associated with one or morefactors.

[0151] One method of applying the factor ranking to situational weightsmay be to assign a weight in terms of a percentage value between 0 and100%. A rank of 0 may correspond to 0% and a rank of 5 may correspond to100%. Ranks between 0 and 5 may be assigned values in 20% increments. Ifa value is assigned to the situational weight for a given factor, thesituational weight may be adjusted by the ranking factor. For example,if the system estimates that high beams have a situational weight of 10percent, and the claims organization gave a rank of 4 to high beams, theadjusted situational weight may be 8 percent.

[0152] As used herein, the term “penalty value” generally indicates thata portion of liability that would otherwise be assessed to a first partyis not assessed to the first party. In some cases, that portion of theliability may be shifted to a second party, where the second party maybe another driver involved in the accident. In other cases, theliability may be shifted to a third party, where the third party was nota driver involved in the accident. For example, the third party may bean owner of an animal that contributed to the accident.

[0153] Adjusting the base liability based on factors may be done in anumber of ways. For example, a direct shift may be used. In anembodiment, a portion of the base liability assessed to the first partymay be shifted to the second party. In such a case, a penalty factor maybe a percentage of the liability to shift. For example, if the first andsecond party would each be assessed with 50% of the liability for theaccident. A penalty value of 80% for the second party means that thefirst party is assessed with 10% of the liability and the second partyis assessed with 90% of the liability.

[0154] In some embodiments, a debit/credit system may be used. In suchembodiments, an effect on liability for a particular factor may bedetermined. One half of the determined penalty value may then be addedto a first party, and the other half subtracted from the second party.After all of the factors may have been considered, the penalty valuesfor each party may be summed and applied to the base liability. Forexample, FIGS. 9b and 9 c depict examples of applying a debit/creditsystem for assessing the effect of several factors on the liability. Inthe example of FIG. 9b, Factors 1 and 2 apply to the first party, havingpenalty values of 20% (i.e., 10%+10%) and 30% (i.e., 15%+15%),respectively. Additionally, Factor 3 applies to the second party, havinga penalty value of 10%. Therefore, a total of 20% may be added to thebase liability of the first party, leaving a 70% liability assessmentfor the first party. The second party may receive a 30% liabilityassessment as a result of 20% being subtracted from the base liabilityof the second party. In some embodiments, effects on liability adjustthe base liability by multiplying the sum of the effects on liabilitytimes the base liability. For example, using the same numbers as in FIG.9c, but multiplying the sum by the base liability the first and secondparties may be assessed with 60% and 40%, respectively. In addition tothe calculation demonstrated in FIGS. 9b and 9 c, one or moresituational weights may be used to adjust the penalty values associatedwith each factor before the penalty values are assessed to the parties.

[0155]FIGS. 10a and 10 b depict flowcharts of alternate embodiments ofmethods for estimating the effect on liability of an alcohol factor. Inan embodiment, the alcohol factor may apply to either the tortfeasor orthe other party for all accident types.

[0156] If at decision point 1001 in FIG. 10a, it is determined thatalcohol was not consumed prior to the accident, then the alcohol factormay not be applicable as shown by step 1002. If alcohol was consumedprior to the accident, the next step, shown by decision point 1003, maybe to determine if the alcohol usage contributed to the accident If not,then the alcohol factor may not be applicable as shown by step 1004. Ifit is determined that alcohol usage did contribute to the accident,information of basic facts may be gathered as shown by step 1005. Basicinformation may include blood alcohol content, whether or not a sobrietytest was given, and whether or not the accident involved a fatality.Optional information may also be gathered, as shown by step 1007, suchas the type and amount of alcohol consumed, where the alcohol was servedand by whom, and the weight of the user.

[0157] If the accident involved a fatality, as determined at decisionpoint 1009 shown in FIG. 10a, “warrants further discussion” may be addedto the accident report, as shown in step 1011. However, whether or notthere was a fatality involved in the accident, the next decision point1013 may be to determine if the user was cited for impairment. If theuser was cited for impairment, a talking point may be reached, as shownby step 1015. If the user was not cited for impairment, the nextdecision point 1017 may be to determine if there was any indication ofimpairment. If there was no indication of impairment, the alcohol factormay not be applicable as shown by step 1019. If there was any indicationof impairment, the next step may be to determine what the indication wasbased on at decision point 1021. A blood alcohol content may indicate alevel of impairment. Statements or other evidence may also provide someindication of impairment, which would be described as shown by step1023. After it is determined what the indication of impairment was basedon, a talking point may be reached as shown by step 1025.

[0158] An alternate method of determining an effect on liability ofalcohol is depicted in FIG. 10b. At step 1051, the method may includedetermining if alcohol was consumed by a driver of a vehicle involved inthe accident prior to the accident. If it is determined that no alcoholwas consumed prior to the accident, the factor may not apply, as shownby step 1052. If alcohol was consumed by a driver of a vehicle involvedin the accident, step 1053 may determine whether the driver was citedfor impairment. In certain embodiments, prior to step 1053, the methodmay also include a step to determine if the alcohol consumptioncontributed to the accident. If it is determined that the driver wascited for impairment, step 1054 may be reached and an ALV may assign100% of the liability to the driver cited for impairment. If the driverwas not cited for impairment, decision point 1055 may determine if otherindications of impairment were present. If no indications of impairmentwere present, a “high” penalty value may be assessed to the driver thathad consumed alcohol, as depicted in step 1056. If indications ofimpairment were present, the method may determine the nature of theindications of impairment at step 1057. Indications of impairment basedon blood alcohol content (step 1058), or statements or other evidence(step 1059) may result in a penalty value of 70% of the liability to theimpaired driver.

[0159]FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating theeffect on liability of a factor that accounts for the presence of aconstruction zone on a motor vehicle accident according to oneembodiment. The construction zone factor may be applied to a tortfeasorand/or other party for any accident type.

[0160] If a motor vehicle accident occurred in a construction zone wherea third party, other than the driver(s) or vehicle(s) involved in theaccident may be involved, as determined at decision point 1101 in FIG.11, then a talking point may be reached at step 1103. If the accidentdid not occur in a construction zone, then the factor may not beapplicable in estimating liability, as shown by step 1105.

[0161]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for estimating the effect on liability of afactor that accounts for corrective lenses in a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment. The corrective lenses factor may be appliedto a tortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type.

[0162] If it is determined at decision point 1201 in FIG. 12 that adriver involved in a motor vehicle accident did not require correctivelenses, then the factor may not be applicable as shown by step 1203. Ifcorrective lenses were required, the next decision point 1205 may be todetermine whether they were worn at the time of the accident. If thecorrective lenses were worn at the time of the accident, the factor maynot be applicable in estimating liability, as shown by step 1207. Ifrequired corrective lenses were not worn by the driver at the time ofthe accident, a talking point may be reached as shown by step 1209.

[0163]FIG. 13 is a flowchart for estimating the effect on liability of afactor that accounts for a defective, obscured, or missing trafficcontrol on a motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment. Thetraffic control may be missing or completely obscured. A defective lightmay be one that may not be lit for either party (e.g., not lit for TF ornot lit for OP). The traffic control factor may be applied to atortfeasor and/or other party for accident types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,16, and 17.

[0164] If at decision point 1301 shown in FIG. 13, the accident type wasdetermined to be 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, then the trafficcontrol factor may not be applicable to estimating liability, as shownby step 1303. For accident types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, and 17, adecision point shown by step 1305 may be reached to determine if anobscured, defective, or missing traffic control contributed to theaccident. If an obscured, defective, or missing traffic control did notcontribute to the accident, then the factor may not applicable forestimating liability, as shown in step 1309.

[0165] If it is determined that an obscured, defective, or missingtraffic control contributed to the accident, then decision point 1307may be reached to determine if a driver was familiar with the accidentlocation. If the answer is yes, then a talking point may be reached asshown by step 1311. If the answer is no, the next decision point 1313may be whether or not the intersection appeared to be an uncontrolledintersection. If not, a “medium” penalty value may be assessed to theparty in question, as shown in step 1317. If the intersection appearedto be a controlled intersection, an ALV of 10% may be assessed to theparty in question.

[0166]FIG. 14 is a flowchart for estimating the effect on liability of afactor that accounts for the contribution of driver inattention to amotor vehicle accident according to one embodiment. The driverinattention factor may be applied to a tortfeasor and/or other party forany accident type.

[0167] As shown by decision point 1401 in FIG. 14, if the driver failedto maintain a proper lookout (e.g., not looking at the road ahead), thena “low” penalty value may be assessed against the driver, as shown instep 1405. If the driver maintained a proper lookout, the step 1403 maybe reached. Step 1403 may determine if the driver was distracted priorto the accident (e.g., by a conversation, a cell phone, shaving, etc.).If the driver was distracted, then a “low” penalty value may be assessedto the driver at step 1406. If the driver was not distracted then, asstep 1404 indicates, the factor may be not applicable for the driver.

[0168]FIG. 15 is a flowchart for estimating the effect on liability of afactor that accounts for the contribution of driver inexperience to amotor vehicle accident according to one embodiment. The driverinexperience factor may be applied to a tortfeasor and/or other partyfor any accident type.

[0169] As shown by decision point 1501 in FIG. 15, the duration of timethe driver has been legally driving may be a determining factor. If thedriver has been driving for two years or less, then the factor may be atalking point as shown by step 1503. If the driver has been driving formore than two years, then the driver inexperience factor may not beapplicable as shown by step 1505. In some embodiments, decision point1501 may be directed to how long a driver has been legally driving aparticular class of vehicle that was involved in the accident. Forexample, if the driver was driving a motorcycle at the time of theaccident, decision point 1501 may determine how long the driver has beenlegally driving motorcycles.

[0170]FIG. 16 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of taking an illicit drug to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. The illicit drug factormay be applied to a tortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type.As used herein, the term “illicit drug” generally refers to an illegal,or unlawfully used drug. For example, an unlawfully used drug mayinclude a prescription drug taken in a fashion other than the prescribedmanner or a prescription drug taken by a person to whom it has not beenprescribed.

[0171] Decision point 1601 in FIG. 16 may determine if an illicit drugwas consumed prior to the accident. If no illicit drug was taken beforethe accident, the illicit drug factor may be not applicable, as shown instep 1603. If an illicit drug was taken prior to the accident, a “low”penalty value may be assessed to the party that took the illicit drug,as shown in step 1605.

[0172] In other embodiments, factors accounting for the consumption ofillicit drugs and the consumption of alcohol may be treatedsimultaneously through an alcohol factor flow chart as depicted in FIGS.10a and 10 b.

[0173]FIG. 17 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of an affirmative action of taking amedication to a motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment. Themedication factor may be applied to a tortfeasor and/or other party forany accident type. In an embodiment, the medication factor may notinclude failing to take required medicine since the illness factor maytake this into account. As used herein, the term “medication” generallyrefers to either a prescription drug, or an over-the-counter drug.Additionally, in some embodiments, a medication may include any legalchemical substance that may be consumed by an individual for medicalreasons (e.g., herbs, or other nontraditional medications).

[0174] At decision point 1701 in FIG. 17, it is determined whether amedication was taken prior to the accident. If not, as shown by step1703, then the medication factor may not be applicable. If a medicationwas taken prior to the accident, then the next decision point 1705 maydetermine if the medication had an affect on the ability to drive. Ifnot, then the factor may not be applicable, as shown by step 1707.

[0175] If the medication affected the ability to drive, it may then bedetermined if the party was aware of this effect, as shown by decisionpoint 1709. If the party was aware of the effect of the medication onthe ability to drive, then a “low” penalty value may be assessed for themedication factor, as shown by step 1711. If the party was not aware ofthe effect of the medication on the ability to drive, then decisionpoint 1713 may ask if the medication had appropriate warnings andlabels. If there were not proper warnings or labels on the medication,then the factor may be a talking point as shown by step 1715. In someembodiments, if there were not proper warnings or labels on themedication, step 1715 may indicate that a portion of the liability maybe attributed to a third-party (e.g., the medication vendor, ormanufacturer). If the medication was properly labeled, then a “low”penalty value may be assessed to the party as shown by step 1717.

[0176]FIG. 18 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of fatigue to a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment. The fatigue factor may be applied to atortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type.

[0177] At decision point 1801 in FIG. 18, the number of hours the partyhad been driving may be determined. If the driver had been driving formore then 6 hours, then the factor may be a talking point as shown bystep 1803. If the driver had been driving for 6 hours or less, thendecision point 1805 asks how long the driver had been awake, but notdriving. If the driver was awake but not driving for more than 12 hours,then the factor may be a talking point as shown by step 1807. If thedriver was awake for 12 hours or less prior to driving, then the numberof hours the driver last slept may be determined at decision point 1809.If the driver slept less than 6 hours, the factor may be a talkingpoint, as shown by step 1811. If the driver slept 6 hours or more, thenthe fatigue factor may not be applicable, as shown by step 1813.

[0178]FIG. 19 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of faulty equipment to a motor vehicleaccident according to one embodiment. As used herein, the term “faultyequipment” generally refers to any vehicle equipment malfunction thatcauses an action, prohibits the operator from taking action, or fails toperform an action. In an embodiment, the faulty equipment factor may notapply to headlights, taillights, or brake lights that do not function asother factors may be provided that account for these potential equipmentfailures. The faulty equipment factor may be applied to a tortfeasorand/or other party for any accident type.

[0179] Decision point 1901 may ask whether defective equipmentcontributed to the accident, as depicted in FIG. 19. If defectiveequipment did not contribute to the accident, then the faulty equipmentfactor may not be applicable, as shown in step 1903. If defectiveequipment contributed to the accident, the next step may be decisionpoint 1905, which may determine the party that faulty equipmentaffected. If the faulty equipment affected the other party, as shown instep 1907, then a talking point may be reached. If the faulty equipmentaffected the tortfeasor, the next step may be decision point 1909, whichmay determine the age of the vehicle.

[0180] If the vehicle was one year old or greater, then the vehicle maynot be considered new. If the vehicle was less than one year old, thenthe next decision point 1911 may ask the mileage on the vehicle. If thevehicle mileage was less than 10,000 miles at the time of the accident,the vehicle may be considered new. If the vehicle mileage was 10,000miles or greater at the time of the accident, the vehicle may not beconsidered new.

[0181] In some embodiments, if the vehicle was new, then step 1913 maybe a talking point. Alternately, in some embodiments, step 1913 mayindicate that the faulty equipment may be attributed to a third party.The third party may include the person or entity from which the vehiclewas purchased or serviced. If the vehicle was not considered new bysteps 1909 or 1911, the next step may be decision point 1915 that mayask whether the defective part was serviced within the last month. Ifservice was performed on the defective part within the last month, atalking point may be reached, as shown by step 1917. In someembodiments, step 1917 may be an ALV of 0% for the driver of the vehiclewith the defective part. In some embodiments, at least a portion of theliability for the accident may be attributed to a third party at step1917. For example, the third party may be an individual or entity thatlast serviced the defective part. The third party may also include themanufacturer of the defective part. If the defective part was notserviced within the last month, decision point 1919 may ask if there wasany indication or history of the problem. Whether or not there was anindication or history of the problem, the faulty equipment factor mayreach a talking point as shown by steps 1921 and 1923. Steps 1921 and1923 may be indicated differently in an assessment report as discussedwith reference to FIG. 55. In alternate embodiments, if there was noindication or history of the problem at step 1919, another decisionpoint may be reached. The decision point may be to determine whether ornot unwanted acceleration occurred. If not, then a talking point may bereached and noted in the assessment report. However, if an unwantedacceleration did occur, the driver of the affected vehicle may beassessed an ALV of 0% liability. Additionally, a portion of theliability may be assessed to a third party. For example, the third partymay include a manufacturer or seller of the vehicle or the defectivepart.

[0182]FIG. 20a is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of following too closely to a motorvehicle accident according to a first embodiment. As used herein, theterm “following too closely” generally refers to an action by the driverof a rear vehicle in which the driver of the rear vehicle fails toremain a safe distance from a vehicle in front of them before theaccident, thus contributing to the accident. In some embodiments, thefollowing too closely factor may be applied only to the tortfeasor andmay only be applied for accident type 1.

[0183] As shown by decision point 2001 in FIG. 20a, if the accident typewas not type 1 or the tortfeasor was not behind or following the otherparty, then the factor may not be applicable as shown by step 2003. Ifthe accident type was type 1 and the tortfeasor was following the otherparty, then the next step 2005 may be to gather information regardingthe accident. The information may include the number of car lengthsbetween the other party and the tortfeasor before the accident, and thespeed that the tortfeasor was traveling. Additionally, as shown by step2007, information may be gathered from any witnesses who may verify thenumber of car lengths that were between the other party and thetortfeasor.

[0184] The next decision point 2009 may ask for the speed of thetortfeasor. The speed of the tortfeasor may be used to determine arecommended safe following distance the tortfeasor should have beentraveling behind the other party in steps 2011 or 2013. For example, ifthe tortfeasor was traveling less than 45 mph, then the recommended safefollowing distance in car lengths may be determined by: speed/10, asshown by step 2011. If the tortfeasor was traveling 45 mph or greater,the recommended safe following distance may be: 1.5*(speed/10), as shownby step 2013. From this determination, the decision point 2015 may askwhether the actual number of car lengths was less than the recommendedsafe following distance. If the actual car lengths were less than therecommended safe following distance, then the factor may be a talkingpoint as shown by step 2017. If the actual car lengths between thetortfeasor and other party were not less than the recommended safefollowing distance, then the following too closely factor may not beapplicable, as shown by step 2019.

[0185]FIG. 20b is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of following too closely to a motorvehicle accident according to a second embodiment. As shown by decisionpoint 2025 in FIG. 20b, if the accident type was not type I or thetortfeasor was not behind or following the other party, then the factormay not be applicable as shown by step 2027. If the accident type wastype 1 and the tortfeasor was following the other party, then the nextstep 2029 may be to determine if the actual following distance was lessthan a recommended safe following distance according to the table inFIG. 20c.

[0186]FIG. 20c depicts a table for determining a recommended safefollowing distance. If the driver of the rear vehicle was traveling atless than or equal to 45 mile per hour (mph), then row 2050 may be usedto determine the recommended safe following distance. If the driver ofthe rear vehicle was traveling at greater than 45 mph, then row 2052 maybe used to determine the recommended safe following distance. Column2054 may determine a surface of the road.

[0187] At speeds of less than or equal to 45 mph and with a gravel roadsurface the recommended safe following distance may be at least 20% ofthe speed in car lengths (e.g., speed*0.2=number of car lengths). Thus,at 40 mph, the recommended safe travel. distance may be 8 car lengths(i.e., 40*0.2=8 car lengths). At speeds of greater than 45 mph and witha gravel road surface the recommended safe following distance may be atleast 30% of the speed in car lengths.

[0188] For non-gravel road surfaces, a condition of the road surface maybe considered in column 2056. The condition of the road surface mayinclude, but is not limited to, dry, wet, or muddy. In addition, thecondition of the road surface may consider whether the road is coveredwith snow or ice, has patches of snow or ice, or has plowed snow or ice.In various embodiments, other road conditions may also be considered.For example, a road condition that may be prevalent in a particularregion may be considered, such as having ruts. Once the road conditionhas been determined, a recommended safe following distance may bedetermined based on a percentage of the speed as specified in column2058. It is envisioned that the specific percentage of speed specifiedby various combinations of speed, road surface, and road condition maybe varied according to the preference of the insurance carrier, orregional or jurisdictional preferences.

[0189]FIG. 21 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of driving with headlights off to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, theheadlights off factor may not apply to accident types 1, and 14. Thefactor may be applied to a tortfeasor and/or other party.

[0190] In FIG. 21, decision point 2101 asks for the accident type. Foraccident types 1, and 14, the factor may not be applicable as shown bystep 2105. Additionally, in some embodiments, the factor may not applyfor accident types 15 and 17. For the remaining accident types, the nextstep may be decision point 2103 in which visibility at the time of theaccident may be determined. The visibility factor is illustrated in FIG.35. If visibility was good, then the driving with headlights off factormay not be applicable as shown by step 2109. Otherwise, if visibilitywas poor, decision point 2111 may determine if the party was drivingwith the vehicle's headlights on. If it is determined that the party hadthe headlights on, then the factor may not be applicable, as shown bystep 2119. If the vehicle's headlights were off at the time of theaccident, then decision point 2121 may be reached. Decision point 2121asks whether the location of the accident was relatively dark, forexample, without streetlights at the time. If it was dark withoutstreetlights, the party may have a “high” penalty value assessed, asshown by step 2123. If it was not dark and/or streetlights were on, thenthe other party may have a “medium” penalty value assessed, as shown bystep 2125.

[0191] In some embodiments, the method of determining the effect onliability of driving with headlights off may determine different penaltyvalues depending on the party being considered. For example, if it isdetermined that the tortfeasor was driving with headlights off, atalking point may be reached. If it is determined that the other partywas driving with headlights off, then penalty values as described abovemay be assessed to the other party.

[0192] In some embodiments, the method of determining the effect onliability of driving with headlights off may determine if bothheadlights were off or if only one headlight was off. If only oneheadlight was on, the method may determine if the one headlight wouldhave provided adequate lighting for the driver of the vehicle to drivesafely. If it is determined that the one headlight may not have providedadequate lighting, the method may proceed to step 2121 to determine apenalty value to assess. The method may also consider whether the oneheadlight would have made the vehicle visible to the driver of the othervehicle (e.g., was the one working headlight visible to the driver ofthe other vehicle). If it is determined that the one headlight may nothave made the vehicle visible to the driver of the other vehicle, themethod may proceed to step 2121 to determine a penalty value to assess.

[0193]FIG. 22 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of driving with high beams on to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. The high beams factor maybe applied to a tortfeasor and/or the other party. In some embodiments,the factor may only be applied for accident type 16. In suchembodiments, the factor may not be applied for the roadwayconfiguration/accident type combination F16. The high beams factor maybe related to glare that causes a driver to be blinded.

[0194] In FIG. 22, decision point 2201 and step 2205 indicate the factormay only be applicable for accident type 16, not including roadwayconfiguration F. If the answer to decision point 2201 is yes, thendecision point 2203 may ask whether high beams were on at the time ofthe accident. If not, then the factor may not be applicable, as shown bystep 2209. If the high beams were on, the lighting may be determined atstep 2207. If the lighting was dark, with or without streetlights, thenliability may depend upon which party is being considered, as shown bydecision point 2211. If the lighting was other than dark, with orwithout streetlights (e.g., daylight, dawn, or dusk) then the factor maynot be applicable, as shown by step 2213. If the party is thetortfeasor, then decision point 2215 may ask whether the other party wasblinded. If the other party was blinded, then the factor may be atalking point, as shown by step 2219. If the other party was notblinded, then the factor may not be applicable, as shown by step 2217.In other embodiments, a “medium” penalty value may be assessed to thetortfeasor if the other party was blinded, and a “low” penalty value maybe assessed if the other party was not blinded.

[0195] If the party is the other party, then decision point 2221 may askif the tortfeasor was blinded. If not, then the factor may not beapplicable, as shown by step 2223. If the tortfeasor was blinded, thefactor may apply a “medium” penalty value, as shown in step 2227. Inalternate embodiments, if the tortfeasor was blinded, then anotherdecision point may be reached that may depend on the roadwayconfiguration. If the roadway configuration was E, then a “medium”penalty value may be assessed. If the roadway configuration was A, B, orH, then a “low” penalty value may be assessed. If the roadwayconfiguration was other than A, B, E, or H, than the factor may not beapplicable.

[0196]FIG. 23 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of illness to a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment. As used herein, the term “illness”generally refers to a physical condition that prohibits the safeoperation of a vehicle. The illness factor may be applied to atortfeasor only for any accident type.

[0197] If the party is determined to be the other party at decisionpoint 2301 in FIG. 23, then the factor may not be applicable, as shownby step 2303. For the tortfeasor, the next step is decision point 2305,which may ask whether the illness contributed to the accident. If not,then the factor may not be applicable as shown by step 2307. If illnessof the tortfeasor contributed to the accident, then decision point 2309may ask if the tortfeasor had a history of the illness. If not, then anALV of 0% liability may be assessed to the tortfeasor. If the tortfeasorhad a history of illness, then decision point 2311 may ask if thetortfeasor was medically cleared to drive. If the tortfeasor was notcleared to drive, then the illness factor may not be applicable as shownby step 2317. If the tortfeasor was cleared to drive without medication,then an ALV of 0% liability may be assessed to the tortfeasor, as shownby step 2315. If the tortfeasor was medically cleared to drive withmedication, then decision point 2319 may be reached, which may ask ifthe required medication had been taken. If the required medication hadbeen taken, then an ALV of 0% liability may be assessed to thetortfeasor, as shown by step 2321. If the required medication had notbeen taken, then 2323 indicates that a talking point may be reached.

[0198]FIGS. 24a and 24 b are flowcharts for estimating the effect of afactor that accounts for the contribution of an improper lane change toa motor vehicle accident according to one embodiment. An improper lanechange may be a lane change that was completed before the accident andcontributed to the accident. The improper lane change factor may beapplied to the tortfeasor and/or other party only for accident type 1.In an embodiment, the factor may determine the effect on liability of animproper lane change based on car lengths between the vehicles beforethe accident and a subjective determination of the magnitude ofdeceleration of the parties. It is believed that an improper lane changemay reduce the opportunity of the tortfeasor to avoid the accidentand/or may reduce the tortfeasor's available stopping distance. Forexample, if other party and the tortfeasor are slowing and other partypulls in between the tortfeasor and whatever the other party and thetortfeasor are stopping for, the tortfeasor's available stoppingdistance may be reduced.

[0199] In FIG. 24a, decision point 2401 may ask whether the accidenttype was type 1, and whether the other party and right of way have beendetermined. If any of these conditions is not true, the factor may notbe applicable, as shown in step 2403. If the accident type is 1, and theother party and right of way have been determined, then the next step2404 may ask if the other party changed lanes prior to the accident. Ifthe other party did not change lanes, then step 2406 indicates that thefactor may not be applicable. If the other party changed lanes beforethe accident, the next step 2405 may be to determine effective carlengths between the other party and the tortfeasor. The term “effectivecar lengths,” as used herein, generally refers to the actual car lengthsbetween the parties minus an adjustment.

[0200] The determination of the effective car lengths 2405 is shown inFIG. 24b. Decision point 2433 may ask if the other party's lane changewas a sudden lane change. If it was, then decision point 2435 may ask ifthe other party signaled the lane change. If the other party signaled,then the effective car lengths may be the actual car lengths minus one,as shown in step 2439. If the other party did not signal, then theeffective car lengths may be the actual car lengths minus two, as shownby step 2440. If the answer to decision point 2433 is no, the decisionpoint 2437 may ask if the other party signaled the lane change. If theother party did signal the lane change, then the effective car lengthsmay be the actual car lengths, as shown in step 2441. If the other partydid not signal, then the effective car lengths may be the actual carlengths minus one, as shown by step 2442.

[0201] Turning again to FIG. 24a, if the effective car lengths are lessthan 1, then decision point 2409 may ask if the tortfeasor was slowingdown when the lane change took place. If the tortfeasor was not slowingdown, then a penalty value of 75% of liability may be assessed to theother party, as shown by step 2418. Alternately, in an embodiment, ifthe tortfeasor was not slowing down, then the liability may bedetermined by an experienced claims adjuster. If the tortfeasor wasslowing down in either a slight or an extreme manner, then a penaltyvalue of 100% of liability may be assessed to the other party at step2417 or 2419. In some embodiments, an ALV of 100% liability may beassessed at steps 2417 and 2419 rather than a penalty value.

[0202] If the effective car lengths are about 1 or about 2, thendecision point 2411 again may ask if the tortfeasor was slowing down. Ifthe tortfeasor was not slowing down, then a penalty value of 75% ofliability may be assessed to the other party, as shown by step 2422.Alternately, in an embodiment, if the tortfeasor was not slowing down,then the liability may be determined by an experienced claims adjuster.If the tortfeasor was slowing down in either a slight or an extrememanner, then a penalty value of 100% of liability may be assessed to theother party at step 2423 or 2425. In some embodiments, an ALV of 100%liability may be assessed at steps 2423 and 2425 rather than a penaltyvalue.

[0203] If the effective car lengths are about 3 or about 4, thendecision point 2413 may ask if the other party was slowing down. If theother party was either not slowing down or slightly slowing, then nopenalty value may be assessed to either party, as shown by steps 2427and 2429. If the other party was slowing down in an extreme manner atthe time of the lane change, then a penalty value of 50% of liabilitymay be assigned to the other party, as shown by steps 2431.

[0204] If the effective car lengths are greater than about 4, then nopenalty value may be assessed to either party, as shown by steps 2407.

[0205] In other embodiments, the actual speed and/or distance betweenthe vehicles before the accident or at the time of the lane change maybe determined. An analysis like the one described above may then be usedto determine the effect on liability of the lane change based on theactual speed and/or distance between the vehicles.

[0206]FIG. 25 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of an improperly parked vehicle to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. The improperly parkedvehicle factor may be applied only to the other party and only foraccident type 14. In an embodiment, a parked vehicle may be consideredlegally parked, illegally parked, or disabled.

[0207] In FIG. 25, decision point 2501 and step 2503 indicate that thefactor may not be applicable to accident types other than type 14. Ifthe accident type is 14, then decision point 2505 may ask whether thevehicle was legally parked. If the vehicle was legally parked, then thefactor may not be applicable, as shown by step 2507. If the vehicle wasnot legally parked, then decision point 2509 may ask if the vehicle wasdisabled. If the vehicle was not disabled and was not legally parked,then a penalty value may be estimated by an experienced claims adjuster,as shown by step 2513. If the vehicle was disabled and was not legallyparked, then decision point 2511 may ask where the vehicle was parked.If the vehicle was outside a travel lane, then regardless of whether thevehicle had its flashers on, the factor may not be applicable, as shownby decision point 2517 and steps 2519 and 2521.

[0208] If the vehicle was parked in a travel lane, then decision point2515 may ask why it was there. If the vehicle ran out of gas, thendecision point 2523 asks if the vehicle had its flashers on. A penaltyvalue may be determined by experienced claims adjusters in steps 2525and 2527 for either a yes or no answer. If the vehicle was abandoned orthere was no apparent reason why the vehicle was in the travel lane,then decision point 2531 may ask if the vehicle had its flashers on. Apenalty value may be determined by an experienced claims adjuster insteps 2533 and 2535 for either a yes or no answer. If the vehicle was inthe travel lane due to a breakdown or accident, then decision point 2529may ask if the other party had knowledge of the defect, which may havecaused the breakdown or accident. If yes, then decision point 2537 askshow long the vehicle had been parked at the location of the accident. Ifthe vehicle was there for less than or equal to one hour, then decisionpoint 2541 asks if the vehicle had its flashers on. A penalty value maybe determined by experienced claims adjusters in steps 2545 or 2547 foreither a yes or no answer. If the vehicle was sitting in the travel lanefor more than one hour, then decision point 2541 asks if the vehicle hadits flashers on. A penalty value may be determined by experienced claimsadjusters in steps 2549 or 2551 for either a yes or no answer.

[0209] If the other party did not have knowledge of the defect atdecision point 2529, then decision point 2539 may ask how long thevehicle had been parked at the location of the accident. If the vehiclewas there for less than or equal to one hour, then decision point 2553asks if the vehicle had its flashers on. A penalty value may bedetermined by experienced claims adjusters in steps 2557 or 2559 foreither a yes or no answer. If the vehicle was sitting in the travel lanefor more than one hour, then decision point 2555 may ask if the vehiclehad its flashers on. A penalty value may be determined by experiencedclaims adjusters in steps 2561 or 2563 for either a yes or no answer,respectively.

[0210] In other embodiments, a parked vehicle may be assumed to alwayshave the right of way. Thus, no improperly parked vehicle factor may beused.

[0211]FIG. 26 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of improper signaling to a motor vehicleaccident according to one embodiment. As used herein, the term “impropersignaling” generally refers to signaling one action and doing another ornot signaling at all. In certain embodiments, an improper signal mayrefer only to signaling one action and doing another (i.e., not to “nosignal”). In such embodiments, an improper turn and lack of signal maynot be part of the improper signaling factor. “No signal” and improperturn and lack of signal may already be taken into account by the roadwayconfiguration/accident type combination.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 26, if it is determined at decision point 2601that the accident type is 1, 14, or 15, then the factor may not beapplicable, as shown in step 2603. For all other accident types,decision point 2605 may ask if a party signaled improperly. If theanswer to decision point 2605 is no, then the factor may not beapplicable, as shown by step 2609. If the answer is yes, then a “low”penalty value may be assessed against the party that signaledimproperly, as shown in step 2607. In some embodiments, an additionaldecision point may follow decision point 2605 if a party did signalimproperly. The additional decision point may determine which partysignaled improperly. In such embodiments, if it is the other party thatimproperly signaled then a low penalty value may be assessed against theother party. If the tortfeasor improperly signaled, then a talking pointmay be reached.

[0213]FIG. 27 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of an obstructed view or glare to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. The obstructed view orglare factor may be applied to the tortfeasor and/or other party for anyaccident type. If an obstructed view or glare affected a party's view ofother vehicles or a traffic sign, the factor may be a talking point.

[0214] In FIG. 27, decision point 2701 may ask if a driver's view ofanother vehicle or a traffic control was obscured. Step 2703 indicatesthat if the answer is no, then the factor may not be applicable. In someembodiments, if the answer to decision point 2701 is yes, then anotherdecision point may ask if the obstructed view or glare contributed tothe accident. If not, then the factor may not be applicable. If it isdetermined that the obstructed view or glare contributed to theaccident, the decision point may lead to decision point 2707. Decisionpoint 2707 may ask whether it was a glare obscured the driver's view. Ifit was a glare, then the factor may be a talking point, as shown by step2711. In some embodiment, if the answer to decision point 2707 is no,then there may be a request to provide a description of the obstructionfor use in an assessment report. In step 2715, the obstructed view maybe a talking point.

[0215]FIG. 28 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of road condition to a motor vehicleaccident according to one embodiment. The road condition factor may beapplied to the tortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type. Asshown in FIG. 28, the road condition at decision point 2801 may beeither dry or in some other condition. If the road condition is dry,then step 2803 may indicate that the factor may not be applicable. Otherconditions may include, but are not limited to, a roadway that is wet,has snow and/or ice, is muddy, has plowed snow, has been salted, or hassnow and/or ice patches. If other conditions apply to the roadway, thenstep 2805 may indicate that the factor may be a talking point.

[0216]FIG. 29 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of road character to a motor vehicleaccident according to one embodiment. The road character factor may beapplied to the tortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type. Asshown in FIG. 29, the road character at decision point 2901 may beeither level or some other character. If the road character is level,then step 2903 indicates that the factor may not be applicable. Otherroad characters may include, but are not limited to, a roadway that hasa hill, a hillcrest, or a sag-bottom of a hill. If other road charactersapply to the roadway, then step 2905 may indicate that the factor may bea talking point.

[0217]FIG. 30 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of road surface to a motor vehicleaccident according to one embodiment. The road surface factor may beapplied to the tortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type. Asshown in FIG. 30, the road surface at decision point 3001 may be eitherconcrete/asphalt or some other surface. If the road surface isconcrete/asphalt, then step 3003 may indicate that the factor may notapplicable. Other road surfaces may include, but are not limited tobrick, dirt, or gravel. If other surfaces apply to the roadway, thenstep 3005 indicates that the factor may be a talking point.

[0218]FIGS. 31a-b may be used in combination with FIG. 31c forestimating the effect of a factor that accounts for the contribution ofspeed to a motor vehicle accident according to a first embodiment. Insome embodiments, the speed factor may not apply to accident type 14.The speed factor may be applied to either or both parties depending onthe circumstances of the accident.

[0219] In FIG. 31a, step 3101 in estimating the speed factor may be todetermine the maximum safe speed. In some embodiments, step 3101 may bedirected to determining the maximum legal speed. Determination of themaximum safe speed is illustrated by the flowcharts in FIG. 31b. Asshown in FIG. 31b, the maximum safe speed may be determined by reducingthe legal speed limit to account for adverse road conditions and/orweather conditions. If the road condition is dry and the weather clear,the maximum safe speed may be the legal speed limit. However, if theroad condition is not dry and/or the weather is not clear, then themaximum safe speed may be less than the speed limit. Decision point 3141in FIG. 31b may inquire as to the road condition at the accident scene.Steps 3143, 3145, 3147, 3149, and 3151 may provide the corrections whenroad conditions are dry (e.g., 0), wet (e.g., 0.1×legal speed limit),snow (e.g., 0.2×legal speed limit), muddy (e.g., 0.2×legal speed limit),and ice (e.g., 0.3×legal speed limit), respectively. Similarly, decisionpoint 3153 in FIG. 31b may inquire as to the weather at the accidentscene. Steps 3155, 3157, 3159, and 3161 may provide the corrections whenthe weather is clear (e.g., 0), smoke, etc. (e.g., 0.1×legal speedlimit), snowing (e.g., 0.2×legal speed limit), and fog (e.g., 0.2×legalspeed limit), respectively. For example, if the speed limit is 60 milesper hour, the road condition is wet, and the weather is snowing the safespeed may be: 60−(0.1×60)−(0.2×60)=60−6−12=42 miles per hour.

[0220] Step 3105 in FIG. 31a shows that if the answer to decision point3103 is accident type 14, the factor may not be applicable. For anyother accident type, decision point 3107 may ask which party is underconsideration. If the party is the tortfeasor, then decision point 3111may ask if the party was going faster than the maximum safe speedcalculated in step 3101. If the answer is yes, then step 3113 may referto the table in FIG. 31c to calculate the effect on the liability. Ifthe party was not going faster than the maximum safe speed, then thefactor may not be applicable, as shown in step 3115.

[0221] If the party being considered at decision point 3107 is the otherparty, then decision point 3109 may ask if the accident type is 1. Ifthe accident type is not 1, then decision point 3119 may ask if theother party was going faster than the maximum safe speed calculated instep 3101. If the answer is yes, then step 3121 may refer to the tablein FIG. 31c to calculate the effect on the liability. If the party wasnot going faster than the maximum safe speed, then step 3123 mayindicate that the factor may not be applicable.

[0222] If the accident type is 1 at decision point 3109, decision point3117 may ask if the other party was stopped at a yielding trafficcontrol. If the answer is yes, then step 3125 indicates that the factormay not be applicable. If the answer is no, then decision point 3127 mayask if the other party was traveling at less than a minimum legal speedfor the roadway. If not, then step 3132 indicates that the factor maynot be applicable. If the party was traveling at less than the minimumlegal speed, but not considerably slower, then decision point 3131 mayask if the vehicle's flashers were on. Step 3137 indicates that thefactor may not be applicable if the vehicle's flashers were on. If theflashers were not on, step 3139 indicates that a “low” penalty value maybe assessed against the other party. If the other party was travelingconsiderably slower than the minimum legal speed, then decision point3129 may ask if the vehicle's flashers were on. Step 3133 indicates thatthe factor may not be applicable if the flashers were on. If theflashers were not on, step 3135 indicates that a “medium” penalty valuemay be assessed against the other party. In certain embodiments, otherconsiderations may be used in determining the effect on liability of theother party traveling at less than the minimum legal speed. For example,in certain jurisdictions, various methods may be allowed to indicate aslow moving vehicle. For example, a sign or placard may be displayed ona vehicle or the vehicle may have a flashing yellow light. In suchembodiments, the use of any approved method to provide warning to othertraffic that the vehicle is moving slowly may result in the factor beingnot applicable.

[0223]FIG. 31c is a table illustrating the estimation of the effect of afactor that accounts for the contribution of speed to a motor vehicleaccident according to the first embodiment. The first column of FIG. 31cmay be related to the maximum safe speed calculated as shown in FIG.31b. The second column of FIG. 31c may include an actual speed for thevehicle. The third column may include following distances subjectivelyestimated by an experienced claims adjuster for several ranges of theactual speed of a following vehicle. A following distance less than thatspecified for a given actual speed range may be considered close while afollowing distance greater than that specified may be considered far.The fourth and fifth columns may provide exemplary penalty values orALVs to be assessed to a party under consideration.

[0224] For example, if the determined maximum safe speed is 50 miles perhour, a vehicle with an actual speed of 65 miles per hour following at adistance of 175 feet may have a penalty value assessed of 10% accordingto FIG. 31c. For the same maximum safe speed, a vehicle with an actualspeed of 85 miles per hour may have an absolute liability value of 70%assessed.

[0225]FIGS. 32a-c may be used for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of speed to a motor vehicle accidentaccording to a second embodiment. In some embodiments, the speed factormay not apply to accident type 14, as shown in step 3205 of FIG. 32b.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 32a, a maximum safe speed may be estimated. Themaximum safe speed may be estimated as a percentage of the maximum legalspeed (i.e., speed limit) for the location. To estimate the percentageof the speed limit corresponding to the maximum safe speed, a roadcondition may be selected from the first column of the table. Each roadcondition may be associated with a percentage that may be used toestimate the maximum safe speed for the location. Thus, for example, avehicle traveling on a dry road having a speed limit of 65 mph may beestimated as having a maximum safe speed of 65 mph. However, if the roadis wet, the vehicle may be estimated to have a maximum safe speed ofabout 59 mph.

[0227] In some embodiments, after the safe speed from the table isdetermined an additional adjustment may be made to the estimate of themaximum safe speed based on the weather. For example, in someembodiments, if the weather is raining, sleeting or hailing the safespeed from the table in FIG. 32a may be reduced by 10%. If the weatheris snowing, the safe speed determined from the table in FIG. 32a may bereduced by 20%. If the weather is foggy, smoky or smoggy the safe speeddetermined from the table in FIG. 32a may be reduced by 30%.

[0228]FIG. 32b depicts a flowchart for determining the effect of speedon liability in a vehicle accident. Step 3205 shows that if the answerto decision point 3203 is accident type 14, the factor may not beapplicable. For any other accident type, decision point 3207 may askwhich party is under consideration. If the party is the tortfeasor, thendecision point 3211 may ask if the tortfeasor was going faster than theestimated maximum safe speed. If the answer is yes, then step 3213 mayrefer to the table in FIG. 32c to calculate the effect on the liability.If the tortfeasor was not going faster than the maximum safe speed, thenthe factor may not be applicable, as shown in step 3215.

[0229] If the party being considered at decision point 3207 is the otherparty, then decision point 3209 may ask if the accident type is 1. Ifthe accident type is not 1, then decision point 3219 may ask if theother party was going faster than the estimated maximum safe speed. Ifthe answer is yes, then step 3221 may refer to the table in FIG. 32c tocalculate the effect on the liability. If the party was not going fasterthan the maximum safe speed, then step 3223 indicates that the factormay not be applicable.

[0230] However, if the accident type is 1 at decision point 3209,decision point 3217 may ask if the other party was stopped at a yieldingtraffic control. If the answer is yes, then step 3225 indicates that thefactor may not be applicable. If the answer is no, then decision point3227 may ask if the other party was traveling at less than a minimumlegal speed for the roadway. In some embodiments, decision point 3227may ask if the other party was traveling at less than a prevailing speedon the roadway. If the other party was not traveling at less than theminimum legal speed, then step 3232 indicates that the factor may not beapplicable. If the other party was traveling at less than the minimumlegal speed, but not considerably slower, then decision point 3231 mayask if the vehicle's flashers were on. Step 3237 indicates that thefactor may not be applicable if the vehicle's flashers were on. If theflashers were not on, step 3239 indicates that a “low” penalty value maybe assessed against the other party. If the other party was travelingconsiderably slower than the minimum legal speed, then decision point3229 may ask if the vehicle's flashers were on. Step 3233 indicates thatthe factor may not be applicable if the vehicle's flashers were on. Ifthe flashers were not on, step 3235 indicates that a “high” penaltyvalue may be assessed against the other party. In certain embodiments,other considerations may be used in determining the effect on liabilityof the other party traveling at less than the minimum legal speed asdiscussed with reference to FIGS. 31a and 31 b.

[0231]FIG. 32c may be used to estimate an effect on liability of thecontribution of speed to a vehicle accident. The table of FIG. 32c maybe used in the same manner described for FIG. 31c above.

[0232]FIG. 33a is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of a sudden stop or swerve to a motorvehicle accident according to one embodiment. As used herein, the term“sudden stop or swerve” generally refers to a rapid deceleration orchange of direction. A sudden stop or swerve may typically be taken toavoid another object such as, but not limited to, an animal, pedestrian,road defect, another vehicle or road debris. FIGS. 33b-f are flowchartsassociated with FIG. 33a that estimate the effect on liability of asudden stop or swerve. A sudden stop or swerve factor may be applied tothe tortfeasor for accident types 11, 12, 13, and 16 or to the otherparty for accident type 1.

[0233] In FIG. 33a, decision point 3301 and step 3302 indicate that thefactor may not be applicable to combinations other than to thetortfeasor for accident types 11, 12, 13, or 16 and to the other partyfor accident type 1. If the party and accident type under considerationare one of these combinations, then decision point 3303 asks whetherthere was a sudden stop or swerve in the accident. If there was not,then the factor may not be applicable, as shown by step 3304. If therewas a sudden stop or swerve then the reason for the sudden stop orswerve may be solicited at decision point 3305. The reason may include aroad defect, debris, a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an animal. Inaddition, FIG. 33a also considers the case of a sudden stop or swervefor no apparent reason.

[0234] In FIG. 33a, if the reason is a road defect the flowchart mayrefer to a road defect flowchart 3380 as depicted in FIG. 33b. The firstdecision point 3306 in road defect flowchart 3380 may asks if the partyshould have seen the road defect sooner than the party did. If yes, thena “medium” penalty value may be assessed to the party underconsideration as shown by decision point 3307. If the answer to decisionpoint 3306 is no, then decision point 3308 may be reached where it isdetermined whether the party was familiar with the area of the accidentand/or the defect. If the party was familiar with the area of theaccident and/or the defect, then a “medium” penalty value may beassessed to the party, as shown by step 3309. If the party was notfamiliar with the area of the accident and/or the defect at decisionpoint 3308, then decision point 3312 may ask if the sudden stop orswerve was reasonable. If the answer is yes, then an ALV of 0% liabilitymay be assessed to the party at step 3313. In addition, it may be notedin an assessment report that a third party (e.g., a party responsible tomaintain the road or a party that cased the defect) may have contributedto the accident, and may thus bear a portion of the liability. If atdecision point 3312, it is determined that the action was notreasonable, then a “medium” penalty value may be assessed to the partyat step 3314.

[0235] In FIG. 33a, if the reason for the sudden stop or swerve atdecision point 3305 is debris, then the flowchart may refer to a debrisflowchart 3381 as depicted in FIG. 33c. Decision point 3315 of debrisflowchart 3381 may ask whether the party should have seen the debrissooner than the party did. If not, then decision point 3322 may bereached, which may ask if the sudden stop or swerve was reasonable. Ifthe answer to decision point 3315 is yes, then decision point 3316 maydetermine whether the debris was dangerous. If the debris was dangerous,then decision point 3322 may ask if the sudden stop or swerve wasreasonable. If the debris was not dangerous, then decision point 3319may ask if the debris was moving. If the debris was not moving, then a“medium” penalty value may be assessed against the party. If the debriswas moving, then decision point 3320 may inquire whether the debris wascoming towards the party. If not, then a talking point may be reached instep 3323. If yes, then decision point 3322 may ask if the sudden stopor swerve was reasonable. At decision point 3322, if it is determinedthat the action was reasonable, then an ALV of 0% may be assessedagainst the party at step 3317. In addition, it may be noted in anassessment report that a third party (e.g., a party responsible for thedebris) may have contributed to the accident, and may thus bear aportion of the liability. If at decision point 3322, it is determinedthat the action was not reasonable then a “medium” penalty value may beassessed to the party at step 3318.

[0236] In FIG. 33a, if the reason for the sudden stop or swerve atdecision point 3305 is a pedestrian or other vehicle, then the flowchartmay refer to a pedestrian or 3rd vehicle flowchart 3382 as depicted inFIG. 33d. It may be determined at decision point 3326 whether the suddenstop and swerve was reasonable. If it was reasonable, then an ALV of 0%may be assessed to the party under consideration, as shown by step 3328.If the sudden stop and swerve at decision point 3326 is not reasonable,then a “medium” penalty value may be assessed to the party as shown bystep 3329.

[0237] In FIG. 33a, if there is no apparent reason for the sudden stopor swerve at decision point 3305, then the flowchart may refer to a noapparent reason flowchart 3383 as depicted in FIG. 33e. If the actionwas a swerve, then the factor may not be applicable, as shown by step3332. Alternately, in some embodiments, a “medium” penalty value may beassessed if the action was a swerve. If the action was a sudden stop,decision point 3333 may ask if the accident occurred on city streets. Ifyes, a “medium” penalty value may be assessed to the party as shown bystep 3334. If not, a “high” penalty value may be assessed to the partyas shown by step 3335.

[0238] In FIG. 33a, if the reason for the sudden stop or swerve atdecision point 3305 is an animal, then the flowchart may refer to ananimal flowchart 3384 as depicted in FIG. 33f. It may be determined atdecision point 3336 if the party should have seen the animal sooner. Ifnot, then decision point 3338 may be reached which may ask if the suddenstop or swerve was reasonable. If the answer to decision point 3336 isyes, then decision point 3337 may ask if the situation was dangerous. Ifit is determined that the situation may have been dangerous, then atalking point may be reached at step 3340. If the situation was notdangerous, then decision point 3339 may ask if the animal was moving. Ifthe animal was not moving, then decision point 3347 may ask if theanimal was domestic as shown by decision point 3347. If the animal wasdomestic, then a “medium” penalty value may be assessed against theparty. Additionally, it may be noted in an assessment report that athird party (e.g., the animal's owner) may bear a portion of theliability. If the animal was not domestic, then a “medium” penalty valuemay be assessed against the party.

[0239] If the animal was moving, in answer to decision point 3339,decision point 3341 may ask if the animal was coming towards the party.If the animal was not, then a talking point may be reached, as shown bystep 3344. If the animal was coming towards the party, then decisionpoint 3345 may determine if the animal was domestic. If the animal wasnot domestic, decision point 3343 may determine if the action wasreasonable. If it is determined that the action was reasonable then anALV of 0% may be assessed against the party at step 3352. If at decisionpoint 3343, it is determined that the action was not reasonable then a“medium” penalty value may be assessed to the party at step 3354. If atdecision point 3345 it is determined that the animal was domestic,decision point 3338 may determine if the sudden stop or swerve wasreasonable. If it is determined that the action was reasonable, an ALVof 0% may be assessed against the party at step 3356. In. addition, itmay be noted in an assessment report that a third party (e.g., theanimal's owner) may have contributed to the accident, and may thus beara portion of the liability. If at decision point 3338, it is determinedthat the action was not reasonable then a “medium” penalty value may beassessed to the party at step 3358.

[0240]FIG. 34 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of all taillights or brake lights beingoff when they should have been on to a motor vehicle accident accordingto one embodiment. The factor may apply to accidents where alltaillights or brake lights on a vehicle were off when they should havebeen on and contributed to the accident.

[0241] In FIG. 34, decision point 3401 and step 3403 indicate that thefactor may not be applicable for combinations other than to thetortfeasor for accident types 9 or 10 and to the other party foraccident type 1. In each case, the visibility should be known. The nextstep for one of those combinations is decision point 3405, which may askif the party was braking when the accident occurred. If the party wasnot braking, then decision point 3409 may ask the visibility at theaccident scene. Determination of the visibility is discussed with regardto FIG. 35. Step 3419 indicates that the factor may not be applicable ifthe visibility is good. If the visibility is poor, then decision point3421 may ask if the tail lights were on. In an embodiment, tail lightsmay be considered to be on if at least one tail light is on. Step 3433indicates that the factor may not be applicable if the tail lights wereon.

[0242] However, if tail lights were not on, decision point 3435 may askwhether it was dark without street lights. If the answer is yes todecision point 3435, a “medium” penalty value may be assessed againstthe party with the tail lights off at step 3445. Step 3447 indicatesthat if the answer to decision point 3435 is no, then a “low” penaltyvalue may be assessed against the party with the tail lights off.

[0243] If the answer to decision point 3405 is yes, then decision point3407 may ask whether brake lights were on. In an embodiment, brakelights may be considered on if at least one brake light was on. In otherembodiments, brake lights may be considered to be on if two or morebrake lights were on. Step 3411 indicates that the factor may not beapplicable if brake lights were on. If brake lights were not on,decision point 3413 inquires into the visibility at the accident scene.If visibility was good, then a “low” penalty value may be assessed tothe party with brake lights off, as shown by step 3415. If thevisibility was poor, then decision point 3417 may ask if the tail lightswere on. If the tail lights were on, then, according to step 3429, a“low” penalty value may be assessed to the party with the brake lightsoff. However, if the tail lights were not on then decision point 3431may be reached. The steps 3438 and 3440 are identical to steps 3445 and3447 previously described.

[0244]FIG. 35 is a flowchart for estimating the effect of a factor thataccounts for the contribution of visibility to a motor vehicle accidentaccording to one embodiment. The visibility factor may be applied to thetortfeasor and/or other party for any accident type. As used herein, theterm “visibility” is generally defined as a combination of the weatherand the lighting that adversely affects ability to see other vehicles,traffic controls, etc. In some embodiments, visibility may not be anadjusting or talking point factor in and of itself. I may be mentionedas a comment to the accident. Visibility may be an input to otherfactors. In some embodiments, weather may be a separate flowchart thatmay be used as an input to other factors. Lighting may include, but isnot limited to, day, dawn, dusk, night with street lights, and nightwithout lights. Weather may include, but is not limited to, clear,cloudy, raining, sleet/hail/freezing rain, snow, fog/smoke/smog/dust,and fog with rain.

[0245]FIG. 35 is a flowchart that estimates the effect of visibility onthe liability. The first step in FIG. 35 is decision point 3501 that mayask the lighting conditions at the accident scene. If the lighting wasdaytime, then decision point 3503 may determine the weather conditions.If the weather is clear/cloudy as shown by step 3517, then the factormay not be applicable. Alternatively, if the weather is “all others”(i.e., other than clear or cloudy) as shown by step 3519, the visibilitymay be a talking point. As input into another flowchart, steps 3519 and3513 may be considered poor visibility and steps 3517 and 3511 may beconsidered good visibility.

[0246] Similarly, the adverse weather may be determined at decisionpoint 3505 if the answer to decision point 3501 is “other.” If theanswer to decision point 3505 is “clear/cloudy,” then visibility may bea talking point in reference to lighting as shown by step 3511. If theanswer to decision point 3505 is “all other,” then visibility may be atalking point in reference to weather and lighting as shown by step3513.

[0247]FIG. 36 depicts an embodiment of a flowchart and table for notingin art assessment report the effect of disobeyed signs or markings. InFIG. 36, decision point 3601 may determine if one or more signs ormarkings were disobeyed. If at decision point 3601, it is determinedthat no signs or markings were disobeyed, the factor may not beapplicable as shown at step 3605. If signs or markings were disobeyed,the method may refer to table 3607 at step 3603.

[0248] Table 3607 may provide a list of potential signs and markingsthat may have been disobeyed in column 3609. If a sign or marking wasdisobeyed, a note may be added to an assessment report indicating thesign or marking disobeyed and whether a citation resulted. If nocitation was issued, then a note from violation column 3613corresponding to the sign or marking disobeyed may be added to theassessment report. If a citation was issued then a note from citationcolumn 3615 corresponding to the sign or marking disobeyed may be addedto the assessment report as discussed with reference to FIG. 55.

[0249]FIG. 37 is an illustration of how a factor influence may be usedto adjust the effect of factors on the liability according to oneembodiment. The factor influence may determine the effect the sum of theeffects on liability resulting from factors may have on the baseliability. As shown in FIG. 37, the factor influence may have fourlevels: none (no adjustment), normal, low, and high. A “high” factorinfluence may allow factors to modify the liability significantly. A“low” factor influence may reduce the influence of the factors belowthat determined by the “normal” factor influence. Each factor influencelevel may have a percentage value associated with it, for example,normal=100%, low=50%, and high=150%. Therefore, a “low” factor influencemay cut in half the summation of all factor adjustments. In someembodiments, regardless of the factor influence setting, the lower andupper bounds of the liability may still constrain the final liabilityrange.

[0250] Once a method is used to estimate the effect of the factors onthe base liability, liability values (L_(A) and L_(B)) for each vehiclemay be calculated by combining the contribution for each vehicle withits corresponding base liability. Since the sum of the calculatedliabilities may be greater than 100%, it may be necessary to calculatenormalized liabilities from adjusted liabilities:L_(AN)=L_(A)/(L_(AN)+L_(A)) and L_(BN)=100%−L_(AN). If L_(AN) is greaterthan the upper bound, the final liability may be set equal to the upperbound. If L_(AN) is less than the lower bound of the liability, thefinal liability may be set equal to the lower bound.

[0251] Alternatively, the effect of the factors on liability may becombined with the base liability according to a debit-credit method. Aportion of the effect to liability of one vehicle may be added to thatparty's liability and the remainder may be subtracted from the otherparty's liability. For example, one half may be added to one party'sliability and one half subtracted from the other party's liability.

[0252] In an embodiment, the liability may be expressed as a rangerather than a single value. The range may be generated by a rangeradius. As used herein, the term “range radius” generally refers to apercentage value that may be added and subtracted from the finalliability to create the range: L_(AN)±range radius. The range radius maybe adjustable by the user and may be applied to all claims. In oneembodiment, a user may specify a range snap-to value. As used herein,the term “range snap-to” value generally refers to a multiple to roundup or down to for the range. For example, the calculated liability maybe 82±5%. If the range snap-to value is 5 percent, the liability may beadjusted to 80±5%.

[0253] The liability range may be adjusted if any part of it fallsoutside of the upper and lower bounds of liability. In one embodiment,the liability range may be shifted. If the maximum of the liabilityrange is greater than the upper bound of liability, the maximum of theliability range may be shifted to the upper bound of liability. Theminimum of the range may be shifted to the lower bound of liability ifthe liability range is larger than the upper bound to lower bound range.If the liability range is less than the upper bound to lower boundrange, the minimum of the liability range may be shifted to the upperbound minus twice the range radius.

[0254] Similarly, if the minimum of the liability range is less than thelower bound of liability, the minimum of the liability range may beshifted to the lower bound of liability. The maximum of the range may beshifted to the upper bound of liability if the liability range is largerthan the upper bound to lower bound range. If the liability range isless than the upper bound to lower bound range, the maximum of theliability range may be shifted to the lower bound plus the twice therange radius.

[0255] Alternatively, rather than shifting, the liability range may betruncated to keep as much of the original liability range as possible.If the maximum of the liability range is greater than the upper bound,the maximum of the range may be the upper bound of liability. If theminimum of the range is less than the upper bound, the minimum of therange may be the lower bound of liability.

[0256] In one embodiment, a knowledge acquisition utility may beprovided to a user to allow the user to configure information associatedwith impact groups for roadway configuration/accident type combinations.For example, sets of impact groups associated with each roadwayconfiguration and accident type may be configured. Further, each impactgroup may have one or more estimates of base liability associated withit. For example, each impact group in a roadway configuration andaccident type combination may have a base liability, an upper range ofliability, and a lower range of liability for each party associated withit. FIG. 38 is a screen shot of a window that may be used for selectinga roadway configuration/accident type combination according to oneembodiment. As shown and discussed in reference to FIG. 8b, a givenroadway configuration/accident combination may be associated with aplurality of impact groups where an impact group may be a collection ofpairs of impact points. Impact points may be defined by the impact pointdiagram in FIG. 8a. Each of the pairs of impact points in the impactgroup may have the same base liability and lower and upper bounds ofliability. A claims organization may designate a user such as anexperienced claims adjusters to use the knowledge acquisition utility todetermine the number of impact groups for each roadwayconfiguration/accident type combination and the impact point pairs ineach impact group.

[0257] A claims organization may further employ a user (e.g., anexperienced claims adjusters) to assign base liabilities and lower andupper bounds of liability to each of the impact groups derived with theaid of the knowledge acquisition utility. As used herein, the term“knowledge acquisition utility” generally refers to an application thatallows a claims organization to configure a system for estimatingliability in an accident to meet the claims organizations needs. Forexample, the knowledge acquisition utility may allow the claimsorganization to set base liability, lower bound of liability and upperbound of liability for each impact group. The knowledge acquisitionutility may also allow the claims organization to configure a numericalvalue associated with penalty factors. For example, a claimsorganization may use the knowledge acquisition utility to set a “low”penalty value equal to a 10% adjustment in liability. Likewise, a“medium” penalty value may be set at 20% and a “high” penalty value setat 30%. In various embodiments, other determinants of liability may alsobe configurable by the claims organization using the knowledgeacquisition utility, including, but not limited to, situational weightsassociated with various factors, range radii, range snap-tos, etc.

[0258] In an embodiment, a knowledge acquisition utility may be used inconjunction with a tuning utility. A tuning utility may include aknowledge acquisition utility. In an embodiment of a tuning utility, theuser may select a roadway configuration and accident type combination toedit from a window as described with reference FIGS. 38 and 39. The usermay input base liabilities, lower, and upper bounds of liability foreach of the impact groups corresponding to the roadwayconfiguration/accident type combination. After the base liabilities areinput, the user may run one or more pre-configured test scenarios builtinto the tuning utility. The user may then analyze the results andrefine the base liabilities. The procedure may be repeated until theuser is satisfied with the results produced by the liability estimationsystem. This process of entering estimates of liability or effect onliability, then testing those estimates by use or one or morepre-configured test scenarios is referred to herein as “tuning.” Theuser may enter base liability information for all other roadwayconfiguration and accident type combinations, run test scenarios,analyze output, refine tuning parameters, and repeat until satisfied.Likewise, the user may enter factor tuning information, as describedwith reference to FIG. 40, test each factor individually untilsatisfied, test combinations of factors, and adjust tuning parameters asnecessary.

[0259] The window depicted in FIG. 38 contains a matrix 3800 of roadwayconfigurations, R, and accident types, A. Diagrams representing roadwayconfigurations are illustrated in FIG. 5. Diagrams representing accidenttypes are illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0260] The elements of the matrix labeled with a “—” are combinationswhich may not be considered because the particular roadway configurationand accident type combination may be considered implausible. In theembodiment depicted, the implausible combinations are a subset of thecombinations labeled with an “N” in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, allroadway configuration and accident type combinations may be available tothe claims organization. In such embodiments, the claims organizationmay utilize the knowledge acquisition utility to designate one or morecombinations implausible.

[0261] To configure a particular roadway configuration and accident typecombination, a user may select the desired values of A and R from menus3801 and 3803, respectively. Selecting Edit push-button 3805 may open anedit combination window (as depicted in FIG. 39), which may allow theuser to edit impact groups for a given roadway configuration andaccident type combination. Once a combination has been selected andconfigured, an indicator adjacent to combination 3807 may indicate thatthe combination has been configured. For example, a checkbox may beassociated with each combination. In such embodiment, an “X” may appearin the check box to designate that a combination has been configured.

[0262]FIG. 39 is a screen shot of edit combination window 3925 from aknowledge acquisition utility according to one embodiment. The windowmay display a graphic representation of selected roadway configuration3927 and accident type 3929. For example, in FIG. 39 the accident typeshown is type 2, as shown in FIG. 4, and the roadway configuration is B,as shown in FIG. 5. A graphic representation of impact point diagram3931 (as shown in FIG. 8a) may also be displayed. The window may displaya text description of the accident type and roadway configurationcombination 3933. For example, as depicted in FIG. 39, the textdescription may be, “Left Turn Crossing Traffic on a Four WayIntersection.” The user may also be provided with free-form text entryarea 3935 to provide comments directed to the combination. For example,a claims organization may desire a particular comment to be displayed toa user entering claims information containing the combination.

[0263] Edit combination window 3925 may also include a plurality ofimpact group text areas 3937 configured to display impact groups andassociated impact pairs. Associated with each impact group text area maybe impact group edit area 3939. Impact group edit area 3939 may allowthe user to enter one or more impact pairs to be associated with theimpact group.

[0264] Also associated with each impact group text area 3937 may beliability input text area 3940. Liability input text area 3940 mayinclude base liability field 3942, minimum liability field 3941, andmaximum liability field 3943 associated with an accident where vehicle Ahas the right of way and base liability field 3945, minimum liabilityfield 3944, and maximum liability field 3946 associated with an accidentwhere vehicle B has the right of way. In an embodiment, liability inputtext area 3940 may allow the user to input estimates of liability foronly one vehicle in the accident. For example, the liability input textarea may be related to the liability of vehicle A only. In alternateembodiments, liability input text area 3940 may allow the user to inputliability estimates for each vehicle. In either embodiment, liabilityinput text area 3940 may display an estimate associated with a secondvehicle. The liability estimate for the second vehicle may be determinedfrom the liability estimates provided for the first vehicle on theassumption that liability must total to 100% between the two vehicles.

[0265] In an embodiment, the user may edit factors associated with theroadway configuration and accident type combination by selecting Factorbutton 3947 in editing combination window 3925. Selecting Factor button3947 may bring up situational weight configuration window 3950, asdepicted in FIG. 40.

[0266]FIG. 40 is a screen shot of situational weight configurationwindow 4001 according to one embodiment. Situational weightconfiguration window 4001 may be used to configure situational weightsassociated with one or more factors for a given. roadway configurationand accident type combination. The situational weights may be used toadjust the magnitude of the effect of the factors on liability, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 9a.

[0267] Situational weight configuration window 4001 may include a numberof columns. First vehicle column 4003 (e.g., column “A”) may includerows of data associated with a first vehicle (e.g., vehicle “A”). Secondvehicle column 4007 (e.g., column “B”) may include rows of dataassociated with a second vehicle (e.g., vehicle “B”). Factors column4005 may include rows containing text descriptions of various factors. Auser may select a situational weighting associated with each vehicle foreach factor listed in factors column 4005. For example, in row 4009, theuser has selected a “low” situational weight for vehicle A and a “high”situational weight for vehicle B for the speed factor.

[0268] In some embodiments, characteristics other than base liabilities,and factors may be adjusted by a knowledge acquisition utility. Thesecharacteristics include, but are not limited to, factor rankings,penalty values, range radii, range snap-tos, and absolute liabilityvalues. Alternatively, penalty values may not be tunable since they maybe estimated by a method as illustrated in the flowcharts in FIGS. 10ato 36.

[0269]FIG. 41 is a screen shot of impact point display window 4100 of aknowledge acquisition utility for displaying impact point pairs for aroadway configuration and accident type combination according to oneembodiment. Impact point display window 4100 may provide a mechanism fordisplaying to the user of a knowledge acquisition utility what impactpoint combinations make up the impact group that is being considered bythe user. Impact point display window 4100 along with the roadwayconfiguration and accident type combination may provide a context withinwhich to make decisions about base liability.

[0270] Impact point display window 4100 displays two vehicles withlabeled impact points that belong to a given impact group. When the userselects an impact point on a first vehicle, the selected impact pointand corresponding impact points on a second vehicle may be highlighted.The selected impact point on the first vehicle and the highlightedimpact points on the second vehicle are pairs of impact points in theimpact group. For example, in impact point display window 4100, impactpoint (801) on the vehicle on the left is selected resulting in impactpoints (807), (808), and (809) being highlighted on the vehicle on theright. Therefore, (801,807), (801,808), and (801,809) are pairs ofimpact points.

[0271]FIG. 42 illustrates a screen shot of claim Data window 4200. claimdata window 4200 may be divided into a number of frames. Control frame4201 may provide access to basic controls for the application. Forexample standard pull down menus may provide access to file, edit, tooland help menus as are commonly used. Additionally, controls frame 4201may include a number of frame selection buttons (e.g., buttons 4203,4205, 4207, 4209, 4211, and 4213). Each frame selection button may causea data display frame 4250 to display different data. For example,selecting “ROW” frame selection button 4205 may cause data regardingright of way in a vehicle accident to be displayed. claim data window4200 may also include claim data frame 4225. claim data frame 4225 mayinclude basic claim data associated. In some embodiments, claim dataframe 4225 may continuously display the basic claim data while datadisplay frame 4250 allows other data related to the accident to beentered. Accessories frame 4275 may allow the user to select a number oftools that may be useful to the user as claim data is being entered.Legal reference button 4277 may allow the user to access informationrelated to the laws of a jurisdiction in which the accident took place.Calculator button 4279 may allow the user to access a calculatorfeature. Comments button 4281 may allow the user to access a free-formtext entry area in which comments may be entered. Show details button4283 may allow the user to access a summary report screen that displaysdetails related to the accident.

[0272] Claim data frame 4225 may contain data entry fields including,but not limited to, a claim number, a policy number, an accidentlocation, who reported the accident, whether police where called, whatbranch of the police was called, whether there were any injuries,whether there were fatalities, what state the accident took place, thedate of the accident, what time the accident took place, a policy startdate, a policy end date, who the accident was reported to, and adescription of the loss due to the accident. In an embodiment, a systemmay access a claims organization's database to retrieve informationrelated to a policy or an insured party based on a policy number. Forexample, the policy start and end dates may be automatically entered bythe system based on information in the claims organization's database.

[0273] Vehicles frame 4300, as depicted in FIG. 43, depicts a frame forentering data related to the vehicles involved in the accident accordingto one embodiment. Vehicles frame 4300 may appear in data display frame4250 if the user selects “Basic” frame selection button 4203 and vehicleinformation frame tab 4303. Other options available to the user when“Basic” frame selection button 4203 is selected may include partyinformation frame tab 4301 and additional information frame tab 4305.The user may enter the number of vehicles involved in the accident innumber field 4307. The user may enter the types of each vehicle in typefields 4309. In an embodiment, the number of type fields provided maycorrespond to the number of vehicles entered into vehicles field 4307.In some embodiments, two type fields 4309 may be provided by default. Insuch embodiments, a first type field may correspond to the insuredparty's vehicle type, and a second type field may correspond to theclaimant party's vehicle type. In such embodiments, additional typefields may be provided if more than two vehicles were involved in theaccident. Vehicle types may include, but are not limited to, anautomobile, a light truck, and another type.

[0274]FIG. 44 is a screen shot of additional information screen 4400.Additional information screen 4400 may be displayed when AdditionalInformation tab 4305 is selected. Additional information screen 4400 mayallow the user to enter a description of the accident in a free-formtext entry box.

[0275]FIG. 45 illustrates a screen shot of party information frame 4500.Party information frame 4500 may be displayed in data display frame 4250when Party Information tab 4301 is selected. The user may be prompted toselect a party involved in the accident from the menu that may include:Insured, claimant, or Witness. The user may be presented with inputfields related to identifying information specific to the partyselected. For example, the user may enter the selected party's name,address, city, zip code, phone number, gender, and state into entryfields. The user may enter a description of the accident made by theparty into a free-form text entry box.

[0276]FIG. 46 depicts an embodiment of a legal reference screen. Thelegal reference screen may be accessed by selection of legal referencebutton 4277 in accessories frame 4275. The legal reference screen mayprovide the user with legal information for a jurisdiction in which theaccident occurred. The legal information may be pertinent to determiningliability in the accident. In an embodiment, the legal referenceinformation may be accessed from a subscription legal reference service,such as the Westlaw legal information service, available from West Groupof St. Paul, MN. For example, laws pertaining to proportionateresponsibility for the jurisdiction may be displayed. The jurisdictionmay be determined by the state selected in claim data frame 4225.

[0277]FIG. 47 illustrates an embodiment of right of way data frame 4701that may be displayed if a user selects right of way button 4205 incontrols frame 4201 and “Accident/Roadway” tab 4703. Based on dataprovided in right of way frame 4701, the system may determine a right ofway in an accident by a method described with reference to FIGS. 7a and7 b. In some embodiments, a right of way data frame may allow a user tomake a manual determination of right of way. Accident/Roadway tab 4703may present a user with a list of vehicles involved in accident 4705 andselection frames for accident type 4707 and roadway configuration 4709.Accident type frame 4707 may display a graphical representation of acurrently selected accident type. Roadway configuration frame 4709 maydisplay a graphical representation of a currently selected roadwayconfiguration. A user may select a different accident type or roadwayconfiguration by using selection buttons 4711 and 4713, respectively.

[0278]FIG. 48 illustrates an embodiment of traffic controls data frame4801 that may be displayed if a user selects right of way button 4205 incontrols frame 4201 and “Traffic Controls” tab 4803. Using trafficcontrols data frame 4801, the user may enter information regarding oneor more traffic controls that may have been present at the scene of anaccident. The user may indicate a primary and a secondary trafficcontrol in “primary traffic control” field 4805 and “secondary trafficcontrol” field 4807, respectively. The user may also indicate if atraffic control was disobeyed in field 4809. The user may also indicateif a traffic control was partially obscured in field 4811. The user mayindicate if a traffic control was completely obstructed or missing infield 4813. The user may indicate if an intersection appeareduncontrolled at the time of the accident in field 4815. Informationprovided in fields 4809, 4811, 4813, and 4815 may be used to determinethe effect of a missing or defective traffic control on liability on theaccident.

[0279]FIG. 49 illustrates an embodiment of impact points data frame 4901that may be displayed if a user selects right of way button 4205 incontrols frame 4201 and “Impact Points” tab 4903. Using impact pointsframe 4901, the user may enter information regarding impact points foreach vehicle in the accident. In an embodiment, impact points data frame4901 may present the user with graphical representations of the vehiclesinvolved, referenced by numerals 4905 and 4907. In such embodiments, theuser may be able to select the impact points on the graphicalrepresentation.

[0280]FIG. 50 illustrates an embodiment of discords report frame 5001that may be displayed if a user selects right of way button 4205 incontrols frame 4201 and “Discords” tab 5003. As a user selectsinformation describing an accident, two or more pieces of informationmay describe an implausible circumstance. For example, an accident typeof head on may be selected with a roadway configuration of merging fromthe left. This accident type and roadway configuration may be unlikelyto occur. Discord report frame 5001 may display a report indicating tothe user that an unlikely combination has been selected. This may allowthe user to change one or more selections, or to proceed to a manualassessment of the accident using the existing selections.

[0281]FIG. 51 illustrates an embodiment of factors input frame 5101 thatmay be displayed if a user selects gather 4207 in controls frame 4201.Factors input frame 5101 may provide input area 5105 for each vehicleinvolved in the accident. For example, as depicted in FIG. 51, factorsinput frame 5101 has an input area for a claimant and an insured. Theclaimant input area may be accessed by selecting claimant tab 5103. Eachinput area 5105 may include questions column 5107, which may listquestions to be asked during an accident investigation. Alternately, insome embodiments, questions column 5107 may provide a column of inputfields in which an adjuster may enter questions that were asked duringthe accident investigation. Some embodiments may include both an area toinput adjuster originated question and a list of system promptedquestions.

[0282] Questions asked may pertain to individual factors or groups offactors. Factors category selection area 5104 may allow the user toselect an individual factor or a category of factors for whichinformation may be input. For example, by selecting a visibility factorcategory from factor category selection area 5104, the user may beprovided a list of questions related to the visibility factor asdescribed with regard to FIG. 35.

[0283] Factors input area 5101 may also include one or more versionscolumns for entering responses to questions provided by various parties.For example, insured version column 5109 and claimant version column5111 are depicted in FIG. 51. If other parties provide answers to one ormore questions, additional version columns may be generated by selectingadd version button 5113. Alternately, a version column may be deleted byuse of delete version button 5115. Version columns may be used to enterresponses provided by a party regarding the questions in questionscolumn 5107.

[0284]FIG. 52 depicts an embodiment of conflict identification frame5201 according to one embodiment. Conflict identification frame 5201 mayassist an adjuster in identifying two or more answers from witnessesthat appear to be in conflict with one another. The assessment ofliability in a motor vehicle accident may involve analysis of multiplestatements of the description of an accident. In one embodiment, theconsistency between different witness statements may be assessed. Thestatements may be from the drivers or passengers of vehicles involved,bystanders and/or other drivers not involved in the accident. In someinstances, statements provided by these various witnesses may not agreeon all of the details of the accident. For example, details that may beimportant in assessing liability may include, but are not limited to,speed of the vehicles, whether brakes were applied, whether signalingwas improper or nonexistent, whether a vehicle yielded, the roadcondition, the road character, road defects, whether a traffic controlwas defective, visibility, whether a driver was wearing requiredcorrective lenses, distance between the vehicle before the accident,whether headlights were off, the presence of an animal/pedestrian/othervehicle, whether a vehicle made a sudden stop or swerve, whethertaillight or brake lights were off, whether a vehicle undertook unsafebacking, whether there was failure to take evasive action, whether avehicle had high beams on, and whether a lane change was improper.

[0285] The system may compare answers given by each witness to variousquestions to determine if inconsistencies exist. In an embodiment,inconsistencies may be identified even if witnesses were not asked thesame questions. For example, the system may flag an inconsistency if adriver answers no when asked, “Did you consume any alcohol prior to theaccident?” but a witness answers yes when asked, “Did the drive of thevehicle seem to be impaired?” claims adjusters may use details that aredescribed inconsistently for informational purposes. The system may listinconsistencies identified in tabular form in conflict identificationframe 5201. Details with inconsistent versions may be noted in thetabulation of results. For example, question column 5203 may list ageneral question having inconsistent responses. Continuing the previousexample regarding alcohol, question column 5203 may contain thequestion, “Did the alcohol contribute to the accident?” Regarding thegeneral question in column 5203, source column 5205 may list each sourcethat provided an answer regarding the question. Response column 5207 maylist responses associated with each source. Conflict identificationframe 5201 may further provide the user with adjuster selection field5209. Adjuster selection field 5209 may allow the user to select aresponse that the adjuster desires to designate as accurate. In otherembodiments, the system may identify a most likely version of theaccident. The most likely version may correspond to the version with themost responses that are consistent across all of the witnesses. Forexample, if 5 witnesses were asked about a particular detail and threeprovided consistent answers, the system may flag these answers as themost likely version of the accident.

[0286]FIG. 53 depicts an embodiment of review frame 5301. After adetermination of a most likely version of the accident has been made,the user may be provided with review frame 5301 to review the responsesretained as the most likely version of the accident. The user may selecta category of factors to review from a list of categories of factors5303. Questions applicable to the selected category of factors may bedisplayed in questions column 5305. Answers from the determined mostlikely version of the accident may be displayed in answers columns 5307and 5309.

[0287] In certain circumstances, the system may not be able to determinean accurate estimate of liability. For example, highly unusualcircumstances of the accident may inhibit accurate assessment by thesystem. In such cases, manual assessment input screen 5401 may beprovided, as depicted in FIG. 54. Manual assessment input screen 5401may include insured liability field 5403 and claimant liability field5405. Additionally, manual assessment input screen 5401 may includecomments field 5407, where the user may provide comments regarding theneed for the manual assessment and/or circumstances related to theaccident.

[0288]FIG. 55 depicts Consultation Report frame 5501 according to oneembodiment. Consultation Report frame 5501 may include text box 5502 fordisplaying an Assessment Summary report. The Assessment Summary reportmay include a summary of data gathered and an assessment of liability.For example, the Assessment summary report may include, but is notlimited to, the claim number, the minimum and maximum percentage ofliability, the accident type, the roadway configuration, commentsregarding one or more factors, proximate cause, accident date, whetherthe accident involved injuries, whether the police were called, theaccident location, accident description, who the accident was reportedby and reported to, jurisdiction, relevant traffic laws of thejurisdiction, identity of the claims adjuster that addressed the claim,and vehicle information for each vehicle. Vehicle information mayinclude the Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”), make, model, year,impact point, vehicle type, right of way, speed, factors that apply tothe vehicle, and party who was driving the vehicle.

[0289] The user may indicate whether the assessment is complete orincomplete by using Assessment Status field 5503. The user may indicatewhether the claim has settled using Settled field 5505. A settlementdate may be entered in Settlement Date field 5511.

[0290] In an embodiment, notes may be added to an Assessment Summaryreport depending on the determination reached for each factor. Withreference to FIGS. 10a to 36, each terminus of each factor may have areport message code associated with it. Report message codes listed inan assessment report may aid the adjuster in explaining the assessmentand/or in negotiating a settlement. It may be especially helpful to theadjuster to have talking points reached in the assessment listed in theassessment report.

[0291] In an embodiment, other reports may be available to a user aswell. For example, a user may be able to configure ad hoc reportsrelated to historical accidents. The system may also provide one or morepre-configured reports. For example, a number of administrative orbusiness reports may be available. Such reports may include, but are notlimited to, reports pertaining to previous settlements reached,accidents claimed in a particular region or under a particular policy,and accidents associated with various categories of drivers or vehicles.

[0292] In another embodiment, a graphical user interface similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 42 to 54 may be combined with accidentreconstruction methodology to assess the credibility of details inwitness accident descriptions. Accident reconstruction software may beapplied to determine details relating to speed, time, and distance ofthe vehicles involved in the accident. Such details may be inferred byaccident reconstruction software from physical measurements. Forexample, the impact speed may be inferred from physical damage tovehicles. The results of the accident reconstruction software may thenbe compared to the description of the corresponding detail in thewitness statements. The credibility of a witness statement may then beevaluated according to its consistency with the results of the accidentreconstruction software.

[0293] Accident reconstruction software may employ accidentreconstruction methods that may be dependent on a number of variables.Variables may be related to the preservation of the accident evidence,limitations in available specifications, and choice of accidentreconstruction techniques. Accident reconstruction techniques mayinclude damage-based and trajectory analysis techniques.

[0294] Variables related to accident evidence include the facts of theparticular case, which may be unique for the case. Generally, access tosome facts may not be under the direct control of an accidentreconstructionist, however, the reconstructionist may requestdocumentation and/or memorialization of these facts. The facts of a casemay form the basis for the reconstruction. Facts may be preserved ormemorialized in photos or measurements by police or other investigatorsat the time of the accident.

[0295] Accident evidence may include positions of rest of vehicles inthe accident (e.g., where they stop), tire marks, roadway markings,damage to vehicles, and damage to property. The memorialization of theseitems may vary widely between cases. First, accident investigators(e.g., police on the scene of the accident) may identify the importantaspects of the accident required to permit a detailed reconstruction.The determination of the requirements of a reconstruction may beincidental to other activities, for example, life-saving or therestoration of a safe environment to the accident site. An investigatormay try to preserve as much of the evidence as possible. In this initialphase of memorialization, photography, paint markings of vehicles'positions of rest, impact marking, and debris may be used to preserveevidence. It may be advantageous to photograph items of evidence beforeputting paint marks on. Techniques for measuring various items at thescene may include sight estimates, pacing, tape measurements, andsurveying type equipment. The variation in the accuracy of thesetechniques may detract from the ultimate accuracy of the speedestimates.

[0296] The vehicle damage data may not necessarily be preserved at thescene. Typically, vehicle damage may remain unchanged for weeks and/oryears at a separate location while either waiting for repair ordisposal.

[0297] Measurement of the extent of vehicle damage may be subject tosome variation. However, typically, the variation of results of adamage-data based reconstruction may mainly be due to differences in thereconstruction and interpretation techniques rather than to themeasurement devices used.

[0298] Measurements and vehicle specifications may be used as inputs tothe equation that permit application of various physical laws to theaccident reconstruction. Specifications may include the mass of thevehicles. Measurements may include the geometry of the collision.Determining the geometry of the collision may require the dimensions ofthe vehicles as inputs.

[0299] Additional specifications that may be used in a reconstructionmay include roadway friction coefficients, wheel drag, and wheel steer,which may be used primarily for trajectory-based analysis. The frictioncoefficient, drag, and steer on the vehicle as it travels from impact torest may be used to approximate the kinetic energy dissipated in atrajectory-based analysis.

[0300] The two general techniques for accident reconstruction includedamage-based and trajectory-based methods. Damage-based methodstypically reconstruct accidents based on damage to vehicles withoutapplying accident scene data. Damage-based only reconstructiontechniques generally assume a virtual linear relationship between theimpact speed changes versus residual or static crush. The relationshipis virtual since it involves equating the crush energy dissipated duringthe dynamic crushing of the vehicles to the residual or static crush.Damage-based reconstruction techniques may use a single full-scale crashtest data point for a given vehicle combined with an assumptionregarding a “no-damage” intercept to calculate custom-fittedcoefficients for use in individual case reconstructions. Such anassumption may generally be recognized as a crude first-approximationprocedure. Alternatively, some damage-based techniques may use multiplecrash tests on an individual vehicle to create multiple data points fora given vehicle.

[0301] A trajectory-based analysis may directly provide estimates of theimpact speed changes in the form of the differences between impact andseparation velocities for each vehicle. The general concept or principleof a trajectory-based reconstruction may be the conservation ofmomentum. The conservation of momentum, which is based on Newton'ssecond and third laws, is that the total momentum of an isolated systemof masses remains constant. The conservation of momentum principle mayserve as the theoretical basis for reconstruction of impact speeds invehicle-to-vehicle collisions. The principal stipulates that the systemmomentum preceding a collision and the system momentum after acollision, for example at separation, are conserved in the absence ofexternal forces. Therefore, if the individual speeds and directions ofmotion for each of the two vehicles in a collision to travel fromseparation to rest can be determined, then the direction and magnitudeof this system momentum may be used to determine the magnitudes anddirections of the velocities that may have existed prior to thecollision, which are the impact velocities. Generally, the magnitude ofexternal forces produced by the tires and other possible sources such asgouging and scraping of vehicle components on the ground during thecollision may be considered small when compared to the magnitude of theforces of the collision. However, it may be necessary to consider suchexternal forces for a comprehensive accident reconstruction.

[0302] Analyzing the total energy dissipated as the vehicles travel fromseparation to their positions of rest may be important for preparing acomprehensive trajectory-based reconstruction of a collision. Whenvehicles separate after a collision, they may move to rest positionsagainst resistance forces produced primarily by tire-to-ground friction.Secondary contacts, which may occur with roadside obstacles and/orterrain features, may play significant roles in the dissipation ofkinetic energy and may also produce redirection of the spinouttrajectories.

[0303] In another embodiment, a graphical user interface like thatillustrated in FIGS. 42 to 54 may be combined with a credibilityassessment method to create a reliable accident description. The detailsrelevant to the accident such as those described herein may be tested bya credibility assessment method such as the accident reconstructionsoftware as described herein. The most credible version of the detailsmay then be combined into a single, reliable version of an accidentdescription.

[0304] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of variousaspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art inview of this description. Accordingly, this description is to beconstrued as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching thoseskilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. Itis to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and describedherein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elementsand materials may be substituted for those illustrated and describedherein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of theinvention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of theinvention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of estimating liability for an accident,comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristicsof a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to accessa memory, and wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics forpast or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearestmatching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining anestimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofliability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory further comprises adatabase, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or morevehicles.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprisesa collision involving two vehicles.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles,and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determiningan estimate of liability for a driver of the one or more vehicles. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving one or more vehicles, wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles and for one or more additional parties, whereinthe one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed asa percentage.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a range of liability.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way fora vehicle in the real accident.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aroadway configuration, and wherein the roadway configuration is selectedfrom the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided roadwith a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.12. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the realset of characteristics comprises an accident type, and wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for avehicle in the real accident.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle inthe real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from thegroup consisting of right front corner, right front fender, rightmiddle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, leftrear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender,left front corner, and front middle.
 16. The method of claim 1, whereinthe real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for eachvehicle involved in the real accident.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point foreach vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact pointfor each vehicle is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident and a roadway configuration.
 19. The method of claim 1, whereinthe real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehiclein the real accident and a roadway configuration, and wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a Tangle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle inthe real accident and an accident type.
 21. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident and an accident type, and wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 22. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident and an impact point of the vehicle involvedin the real accident.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident and an impact point of the vehicle involved in the realaccident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the groupconsisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle,right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rearcorner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, leftfront corner, and front middle.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and anaccident type.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type,and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of arear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, aleft turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns tosame lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn; a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromleft, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to asingle lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whilebacking, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
 26. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aroadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the real setof characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an impact pointof a vehicle involved in the real accident.
 28. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the realaccident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from thegroup consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.29. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration and an impact point of a vehicleinvolved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selectedfrom the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender,right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle,left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left frontfender, left front corner, and front middle.
 30. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type andan impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident.
 31. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises anaccident type and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the realaccident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an accident type and an impact point of avehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 33. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and anaccident type.
 34. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type, and wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 35. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle inthe real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type, andwherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of arear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, aleft turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns tosame lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromleft, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to asingle lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whilebacking, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
 36. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aright of way for a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, andan impact point of the vehicle involved in the real accident.
 37. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aright of way for a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, andan impact point of the vehicle involved in the real accident, andwherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 38. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact pointis selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 39. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impactpoint of the vehicle involved in the real accident.
 40. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impactpoint of the vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 41. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact pointis selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 42. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicleinvolved in the real accident.
 43. The method of claim 1, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, anaccident type, and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the realaccident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from thegroup consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.44. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact pointof a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 45. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicleinvolved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selectedfrom the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender,right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle,left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left frontfender, left front corner, and front middle.
 46. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type,and an impact point of the vehicle involved in the real accident. 47.The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprisesa right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadwayconfiguration, an accident type, and an impact point of the vehicleinvolved in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 48. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact pointof the vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 49. The method of claim 1,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type,and an impact point of the vehicle involved in the real accident, andwherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 50. The method of claim 1, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates, the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 51. The method of claim50, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 52. The method of claim 50,further comprising adjusting the one or more factor estimates with asituational weight.
 53. The method of claim 50, further comprisingadjusting a sum of the one or more factors with a factor influence,wherein the factor influence is estimated from knowledge obtained fromexperienced claims adjusters.
 54. The method of claim 50, furthercomprising adjusting the one or more factors with a ranking factor,wherein the ranking factor is estimated from knowledge obtained fromexperienced claims adjusters.
 55. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining one or more situational weights based oncircumstances relating to the real accident.
 56. The method of claim 1,wherein the accident comprises a collision of one or more vehicles,wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at leastone factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprisesan estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein thefactor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, anobstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising adjusting theat least one factor estimate with a situational weight.
 58. The methodof claim 57, wherein the situational weight is estimated from knowledgeobtained from experienced claims adjusters.
 59. The method of claim 57,wherein the situational weight is estimated from circumstances relatingto the vehicle accident.
 60. The method of claim 56, further comprisingdetermining a sum of the at least one factor estimate, and adjusting thesum of the at least one factor estimate with a factor influence.
 61. Themethod of claim 56, further comprising adjusting the at least one factorestimate with a ranking factor.
 62. The method of claim 1, wherein theestimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated bya range radius.
 63. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 64. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured toaccess a different memory containing information useful for determininga right of way for a vehicle.
 65. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to access the memory, and whereinthe memory comprises information useful for determining a right of wayfor a vehicle.
 66. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system isfurther configured to access a different memory containing informationabout laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 67. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured toaccess the memory, and wherein the memory comprises information aboutlaws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 68. The methodof claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to accessa different memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way for a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein thecomputer system is further configured to determine the right of way forthe vehicle.
 69. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system isfurther configured to access the memory, wherein the memory comprisesinformation useful for determining a right of way for a vehicle involvedin the real accident, and wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine the right of way for the vehicle.
 70. A methodof estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to acomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprisesa right of way for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearestmatching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining anestimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofliability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.71. The method of claim 70, wherein the memory further comprises adatabase, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 72. The method ofclaim 70, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving twovehicles.
 73. The method of claim 70, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of the vehicle in the real accident.
 74. Themethod of claim 70, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more othervehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of the vehicle in thereal accident and the one or more other vehicles and for one or moreadditional parties, and wherein the one or more additional partiescontributed to the real accident.
 75. The method of claim 70, whereinthe estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 76. The methodof claim 70, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a rangeof liability.
 77. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
 78. Themethod of claim 77, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.79. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristicsfurther comprises an accident type.
 80. The method of claim 79, whereinthe accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender,a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 81. The method of claim 70,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impactpoint for the vehicle in the real accident.
 82. The method of claim 81,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 83. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises impact points for the vehicle in thereal accident and one or more other vehicles.
 84. The method of claim83, wherein each impact point is selected from the group consisting ofright front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 85. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and anaccident type.
 86. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an impactpoint of the vehicle in the real accident.
 87. The method of claim 70,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accidenttype and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident.
 88. Themethod of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics furthercomprises a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident, a roadwayconfiguration, and an accident type.
 89. The method of claim 70, whereinthe real set of characteristics further comprises a roadwayconfiguration, an accident type, and an impact point of the vehicle inthe real accident.
 90. The method of claim 70, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates, the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 91. The method of claim90, wherein the one or more factor comprise an estimate of an effect onliability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the groupconsisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a roadcondition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control,visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue,driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a suddenstop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failureto take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improperparking, and improper signaling.
 92. The method of claim 70, wherein theaccident comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determineat least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprises an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 93. The method of claim 70, wherein the estimate of liabilityis a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius. 94.The method of claim 70, wherein the estimate liability is a range,wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the rangeradius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 95. The method of claim 70,wherein the computer system is further configured to access a differentmemory containing information useful for determining the right of way ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
 96. The method of claim 70, whereinthe computer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to thereal accident.
 97. The method of claim 70, wherein the computer systemis further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining the right of way of the vehicle inthe real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configuredto determine the right of way of the vehicle.
 98. A method of estimatingliability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration at the location of the real vehicle accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprisesa roadway configuration at the location of one of the past ortheoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 99. The method of claim 98, wherein the memory furthercomprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 100. Themethod of claim 98, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving one or more vehicles.
 101. The method of claim 98, wherein thereal accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, andwherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining anestimate of liability for a driver of at least one of the one or morevehicles.
 102. The method of claim 98, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least one of the one or more vehicles inthe real accident and for one or more additional parties, and whereinthe one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.103. The method of claim 98, wherein the estimate of liability isexpressed as a percentage.
 104. The method of claim 98, wherein theestimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
 105. Themethod of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics furthercomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident.
 106. Themethod of claim 98, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.107. The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristicsfurther comprises an accident type.
 108. The method of claim 107,wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of arear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, aleft turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns tosame lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromleft, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to asingle lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whilebacking, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
 109. Themethod of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics furthercomprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
 110. Themethod of claim 109, wherein the impact point is selected from the groupconsisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle,right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rearcorner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, leftfront corner, and front middle.
 111. The method of claim 98, wherein thereal set of characteristics further comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident and an accident type.
 112. The method ofclaim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises aright of way for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
 113. The method of claim 98, whereinthe real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type andan impact point of the vehicle in the real accident.
 114. The method ofclaim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises aright of way for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, andan impact point of the vehicle in the real accident.
 115. The method ofclaim 98, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates,the method further comprising determining a final liability estimatebased on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 116. The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor,and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 117. The method of claim 98, wherein the accidentcomprises a collision of one or more vehicles, wherein the computersystem is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate,wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 118. The method of claim 98,wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range isestimated by a range radius.
 119. The method of claim 98, wherein theestimate of liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by arange radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-toradius.
 120. The method of claim 98, wherein the computer system isfurther configured to access a different memory containing informationuseful for determining a right of way for a vehicle.
 121. The method ofclaim 98, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information about laws in a jurisdictionapplicable to the real vehicle accident.
 122. The method of claim 98,wherein the computer system is further configured to access a differentmemory containing information useful for determining a right of way of avehicle in the real vehicle accident, and wherein the computer system isfurther configured to determine the right of way of the vehicle.
 123. Amethod of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing toa computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type; wherein the computer system is configured toaccess a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type of the pastor theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics tothe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics.
 124. The method of claim 123, whereinthe memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 125. The method of claim 123, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving one or more vehicles.
 126. The method ofclaim 123, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving oneor more vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at leastone of the one or more vehicles.
 127. The method of claim 123, whereinthe real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles,wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining anestimate of liability for a driver of at least one of the one or morevehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one ormore additional parties contributed to the real accident.
 128. Themethod of claim 123, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as apercentage.
 129. The method of claim 123, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a range of liability.
 130. The method of claim123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a rightof way for a vehicle in the real accident.
 131. The method of claim 123,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadwayconfiguration.
 132. The method of claim 131, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 133. The method of claim 123, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 134. The method of claim 123,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impactpoint for a vehicle in the real accident.
 135. The method of claim 134,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 136. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises an impact point for more than onevehicle involved in the real accident.
 137. The method of claim 136,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 138. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way of a vehicle in thereal accident and a roadway configuration.
 139. The method of claim 123,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of wayof a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point of the vehicle inthe real accident.
 140. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the real accident.
 141. The method of claim 123,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of wayof a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impactpoint of the vehicle in the real accident.
 142. The method of claim 123,wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining abase liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the methodfurther comprising determining a final liability estimate based on thebase liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 143. Themethod of claim 142, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprisean estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein thefactor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, anobstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 144. The method of claim 123, wherein the accident comprisesa collision of one or more vehicles, wherein the computer system isfurther configured to determine at least one factor estimate, whereinthe at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect onliability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the groupconsisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a roadcondition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control,visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue,driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a suddenstop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failureto take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improperparking, and improper signaling.
 145. The method of claim 123, whereinthe estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimatedby a range radius.
 146. The method of claim 123, wherein the estimateliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 147. Themethod of claim 123, wherein the computer system is further configuredto access a different memory containing information useful fordetermining a right of way of a vehicle in the real accident.
 148. Themethod of claim 123, wherein the computer system is further configuredto access a different memory containing information about laws in ajurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 149. The method of claim123, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computersystem is further configured to determine the right of way for thevehicle.
 150. A method of estimating liability for an accident,comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristicsrelating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in thereal accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access amemory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents comprises an impact point for a vehicle involvedin one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 151. The method of claim 150,wherein the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 152. The method of claim 150, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 153. The method of claim 150, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least thevehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
 154. The method of claim 150,wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicleand one or more other vehicles, wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofat least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one ormore additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional partiescontributed to the real accident.
 155. The method of claim 150, whereinthe estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 156. The methodof claim 150, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a rangeof liability.
 157. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident.
 158. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
 159. Themethod of claim 158, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.160. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristicsfurther comprises an accident type.
 161. The method of claim 160,wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of arear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, aleft turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns tosame lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromleft, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to asingle lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whilebacking, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
 162. Themethod of claim 150, wherein the impact point is selected from the groupconsisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle,right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rearcorner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, leftfront corner, and front middle.
 163. The method of claim 150, whereinthe real set of characteristics further comprises a right of way for thevehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration.
 164. Themethod of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics furthercomprises a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident and anaccident type.
 165. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and anaccident type.
 166. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type.
 167. Themethod of claim 150, wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factorestimates, the method further comprising determining a final liabilityestimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 168. The method of claim 167, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor;and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 169. The method of claim 150, wherein the accidentcomprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more other vehicles,wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at leastone factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprisean estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein thefactor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, anobstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 170. The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 171. The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 172. The method ofclaim 150, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way for the vehicle.
 173. The method of claim 150, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to thereal accident.
 174. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer systemis further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured todetermine the right of way for the vehicle.
 175. A method of estimatingliability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast two of the set of real characteristics comprise a right of way fora vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration at thelocation of the real accident; wherein the computer system is configuredto access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least two of the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehiclein one of the past or theoretical accidents and a roadway configurationat the location of the past or theoretical accident; comparing the realset of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 176. The method of claim 175,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 177. The method of claim 175, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 178. The method of claim 175, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least thevehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
 179. Themethod of claim 175, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or moreother vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein theone or more additional parties contributed to the real accident. 180.The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate of liability is expressedas a percentage.
 181. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a range of liability.
 182. The method of claim175, wherein the roadway configuration at the location of the realaccident is selected from the group consisting of a two or more laneroad, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 183. The method of claim 175, wherein the realset of characteristics further comprises an accident type.
 184. Themethod of claim 183, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 185. The method of claim 175, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle. 186.The method of claim 185, wherein the impact point is selected from thegroup consisting of right front corner, right front fender, rightmiddle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, leftrear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender,left front corner, and front middle.
 187. The method of claim 175,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point forthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles involved in the realaccident.
 188. The method of claim 187, wherein each impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 189. The method ofclaim 175, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises anaccident type and an impact point for the vehicle.
 190. The method ofclaim 175, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates,the method further comprising determining a final liability estimatebased on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 191. The method of claim 190, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor;and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 192. The method of claim 175, wherein the accidentcomprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more other vehicles,wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at leastone factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprisean estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein thefactor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, anobstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 193. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 194. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 195. The method ofclaim 175, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining the rightof way for the vehicle.
 196. The method of claim 175, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to thereal accident.
 197. The method of claim 175, wherein the computer systemis further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining the right of way for the vehicle inthe real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configuredto determine the right of way for the vehicle.
 198. A method ofestimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to acomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristicscomprise a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and anaccident type of the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least two of the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accident and an accidenttype of the past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 199. The method of claim 198,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 200. The method of claim 198, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 201. The method of claim 198, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least thevehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
 202. The method of claim 198,wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicleand one or more other vehicles, wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofat least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one ormore additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional partiescontributed to the real accident.
 203. The method of claim 198, whereinthe estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 204. The methodof claim 198, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a rangeof liability.
 205. The method of claim 198, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
 206. Themethod of claim 205, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.207. The method of claim 198, wherein the accident type of the realaccident is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a leftturn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 208. The method of claim 198,wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impactpoint for the vehicle in the real accident.
 209. The method of claim208, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting ofright front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,or front middle.
 210. The method of claim 198, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle andone or more other vehicles in the real accident.
 211. The method ofclaim 210, wherein the impact point is selected from the groupconsisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle,right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rearcorner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, leftfront corner, and front middle.
 212. The method of claim 198, whereinthe real set of characteristics further comprises a roadwayconfiguration and an impact point of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles involved in the real accident.
 213. The method of claim 198,wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining abase liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the methodfurther comprising determining a final liability estimate based on thebase liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 214. Themethod of claim 213, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprisean estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein thefactor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, anobstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 215. The method of claim 198, wherein the accident comprisesa collision of the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to determine at least one factorestimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimateof an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor isselected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructedview or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, adefective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 216. The method of claim 198, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 217. The method of claim 198, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 218. The method ofclaim 198, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining the rightof way for the vehicle in the real accident.
 219. The method of claim198, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information about laws in a jurisdictionapplicable to the real accident.
 220. The method of claim 198, whereinthe computer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information useful for determining the right of way for thevehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine the right of way for the vehicle in the realaccident.
 221. A method of estimating liability for an accident,comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristicsrelating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set ofcharacteristics comprise a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at leasttwo of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidentscomprise a right of way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoreticalaccidents and an impact points of the vehicle in the one past ortheoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 222. The method of claim 221, wherein the memorycomprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 223. Themethod of claim 221, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
 224. The method ofclaim 221, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving thevehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability fora driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles inthe real accident.
 225. The method of claim 221, wherein the realaccident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or moreother vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least thevehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and forone or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additionalparties contributed to the real accident.
 226. The method of claim 221,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 227. Themethod of claim 221, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as arange of liability.
 228. The method of claim 221, wherein the real setof characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration at thelocation of the real accident.
 229. The method of claim 228, wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 230. The method of claim 221, wherein thereal set of characteristics further comprises an accident type of thereal accident.
 231. The method of claim 230, wherein the accident typeis selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 232. The method of claim 221,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 233. The method of claim 221, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration of a locationof the real accident and an accident type of the real accident.
 234. Themethod of claim 221, wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factorestimates, the method further comprising determining a final liabilityestimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 235. The method of claim 234, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor,and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 236. The method of claim 221, wherein the accidentfurther comprises a collision of the vehicle and the one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is configured to determine atleast one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprises an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, or improper signaling.237. The method of claim 221, wherein the estimate of liability is arange, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
 238. Themethod of claim 221, wherein the estimate liability is a range, whereinthe range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radiusis adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 239. The method of claim 221, whereinthe computer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information useful for determining the right of way for thevehicle in the real accident.
 240. The method of claim 221, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to thereal accident.
 241. The method of claim 221, wherein the computer systemis further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining the right of way for the vehicle inthe real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configuredto determine the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident. 242.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providingto a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristicscomprise a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident andan accident type of the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least two of the sets ofcharacteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an accident type of the past ortheoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 243. The method of claim 242, wherein the memorycomprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 244. Themethod of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving one or more vehicles.
 245. The method of claim 242, whereinthe real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles,and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determiningan estimate of liability for a driver of the one or more vehicles. 246.The method of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving one or more vehicles, wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles and for one or more additional parties, andwherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the realaccident.
 247. The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a percentage.
 248. The method of claim 242,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.249. The method of claim 242, wherein the real set of characteristicsfurther comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident.250. The method of claim 242, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 251. The method of claim 242, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 252. The method of claim 242, wherein the realset of characteristics further comprises an impact point for a vehiclein the real accident.
 253. The method of claim 252, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting or right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 254. The methodof claim 242, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprisesa right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle.
 255. The method of claim 242, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 256. The method of claim255, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 257. The method of claim 242,wherein the real accident comprises a collision of one or more vehicles,wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at leastone factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprisean estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein thefactors is selected from the group, consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 258. The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 259. The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate liability isa rang, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 260. The method ofclaim 242, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way for a vehicle in the real accident.
 261. The method of claim 242,wherein the computer system is further configured to access a differentmemory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable tothe real accident.
 262. The method of claim 242, wherein the computersystem is further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining a right of way for a vehicle in thereal accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured todetermine the right of way for the vehicle.
 263. A method of estimatingliability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident and an impact points ofa vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with anestimate of liability, and wherein at least two of the characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configurationat a location of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relatingto the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching setof characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabilityfor the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 264. The method of claim263, wherein the further comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 265. The method of claim 263, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 266. The method of claim 263, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least thevehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
 267. The method of claim 263,wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicleand one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofat least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one ormore additional parties, wherein the one or more additional partiescontributed to the real accident.
 268. The method of claim 263, whereinthe estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 269. The methodof claim 263, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a rangeof liability.
 270. The method of claim 263, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident.
 271. The method of claim 263, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 272. The method of claim 263, wherein the realset of characteristics further comprises an accident type of the realaccident.
 273. The method of claim 272, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 274. The method of claim 263, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 275. The method of claim 263, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident and an accident type of the real accident.
 276. The methodof claim 263, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates,the method further comprising determining a final liability estimatebased on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 277. The method of claim 276, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor,and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 278. The method of claim 263, wherein the accidentfurther comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determineat least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprises an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 279. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 280. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 281. The method ofclaim 263, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way for the vehicle in the real accident.
 282. The method of claim263, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information about laws in a jurisdictionapplicable to the real accident.
 283. The method of claim 263, whereinthe computer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information useful for determining a right of way for thevehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine the right of way for the vehicle.
 284. A methodof estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to acomputer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the setsof characteristics of the past or theoretical accidents comprise anaccident type of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 285. The method of claim 284,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 286. The method of claim 284, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and oneor more other vehicles.
 287. The method of claim 284, wherein the realaccident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or moreother vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at leastthe vehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
 288. The method of claim284, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving thevehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability fora driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles andfor one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additionalparties contributed to the real accident.
 289. The method of claim 284,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 290. Themethod of claim 284, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as arange of liability.
 291. The method of claim 284, wherein the real setof characteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle inthe real accident.
 292. The method of claim 284, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a roadway configuration at a locationof the real accident.
 293. The method of claim 292, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 294. The method of claim 284, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 295. The method of claim 284,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 296. The method of claim 284, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident and a roadway configuration at a location of the realaccident.
 297. The method of claim 284, wherein determining an estimateof liability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one ormore factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a finalliability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one ormore factor estimates.
 298. The method of claim 297, wherein the one ormore factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability ofa factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consistingof a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, aroad character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 299. The method of claim 284, wherein the accidentfurther comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determineat least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 300. The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 301. The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 302. The method ofclaim 284, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining a rightof way for the vehicle the real accident.
 303. The method of claim 284,wherein the computer system is further configured to access a differentmemory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable tothe real accident.
 304. The method of claim 284, wherein the computersystem is further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining a right of way for the vehicle in thereal accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured todetermine the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.
 305. Amethod of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing toa computer system a real set of characteristics a real accident, whereinthe real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehiclein the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location of the realaccident, and an accident type of the real accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, aroadway configuration at a location of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents, and an accident type of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 306. The method of claim 305, wherein the memorycomprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 307. Themethod of claim 305, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
 308. The method ofclaim 305, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving thevehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or moreother vehicles in the real accident.
 309. The method of claim 305,wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicleand one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofat least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accidentand for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or moreadditional parties contributed to the real accident.
 310. The method ofclaim 305, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as apercentage.
 311. The method of claim 305, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a range of liability.
 312. The method of claim305, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 313. The method ofclaim 305, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 314. The method of claim 305, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle in thereal accident.
 315. The method of claim 314, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 316. The method ofclaim 305, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises animpact point for the vehicle in the real accident and one or more othervehicles in the real accident.
 317. The method of claim 316, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 318. The method of claim 305, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates, the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 319. The method of claim318, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 320. The method of claim 305,wherein the accident further comprises a collision of the vehicle andone or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the atleast one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liabilityof a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the groupconsisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a roadcondition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control,visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue,driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a suddenstop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failureto take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improperparking, and improper signaling.
 321. The method of claim 305, whereinthe estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimatedby a range radius.
 322. The method of claim 305, wherein the estimateliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 323. Themethod of claim 305, wherein the computer system is further configuredto access a different memory containing information useful fordetermining the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident. 324.The method of claim 305, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to access a different memory containing information aboutlaws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 325. The methodof claim 305, wherein the computer system is further configured toaccess a different memory containing information useful for determiningthe right of way for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein thecomputer system is further configured to determine the right of way forthe vehicle in the real accident.
 326. A method of estimating liabilityfor an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real setof characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident,and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, aroadway configuration at a location of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents, and an impact point of the vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 327. The method of claim 326,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 328. The method of claim 326, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 329. The method of claim 326, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and oneor more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at leastthe vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident. 330.The method of claim 326, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more othervehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties,wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the realaccident.
 331. The method of claim 326, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a percentage.
 332. The method of claim 326,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.333. The method of claim 326, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 334. The method of claim 326, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics further comprises an accident type of the real accident.335. The method of claim 334, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 336. The method of claim 326, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 337. The methodof claim 326, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates,the method further comprising determining a final liability estimatebased on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 338. The method of claim 337, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor,and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 339. The method of claim 326, wherein the accidentfurther comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determineat least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 340. The method of claim 326, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 341. The method of claim 326, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 342. The method ofclaim 326, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining the rightof way for the vehicle in the real accident.
 343. The method of claim326, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information about laws in a jurisdictionapplicable to the real accident.
 344. The method of claim 326, whereinthe computer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information useful for determining the right of way for thevehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the computer systemis further configured to determine the right of way for the vehicle.345. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising:providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a realaccident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type of the realaccident, and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein thecharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, anaccident type of the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and animpact point of the vehicle in the one or the past or theoreticalaccidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 346. The method of claim 345, wherein the memorycomprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
 347. Themethod of claim 345, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
 348. The method ofclaim 345, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving thevehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or moreother vehicles in the real accident.
 349. The method of claim 345,wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicleand one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate ofliability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofat least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accidentand for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or moreadditional parties contributed to the real accident.
 350. The method ofclaim 345, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as apercentage.
 351. The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a range of liability.
 352. The method of claim345, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident.
 353. The method ofclaim 352, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 354. The method ofclaim 345, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 355. The method of claim 345, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 356. The method ofclaim 345, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprisesdetermining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates,the method further comprising determining a final liability estimatebased on the base liability estimate and the one or more factorestimates.
 357. The method of claim 356, wherein the one or more factorestimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor,and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of aconstruction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a roadcharacter, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention,corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness,following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve,taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasiveaction, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, andimproper signaling.
 358. The method of claim 345, wherein the accidentfurther comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more othervehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determineat least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimatecomprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and whereinthe factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 359. The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 360. The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate liability isa range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and whereinthe range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 361. The method ofclaim 345, wherein the computer system is further configured to access adifferent memory containing information useful for determining the rightof way for the vehicle.
 362. The method of claim 345, wherein thecomputer system is further configured to access a different memorycontaining information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to thereal accident.
 363. The method of claim 345, wherein the computer systemis further configured to access a different memory containinginformation useful for determining the right of way for the vehicle inthe real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configuredto determine the right of way for the vehicle.
 364. A method ofestimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to acomputer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident of the real accident,an accident type of the real accident, and an impact point of a vehiclein the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured toaccess a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofone of the past or theoretical accidents, an accident type of the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of a vehicle inthe one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 365. The method of claim 364,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 366. The method of claim 364, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 367. The method of claim 364, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and oneor more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at leastthe vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident. 368.The method of claim 364, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more othervehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties,wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the realaccident.
 369. The method of claim 364, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a percentage.
 370. The method of claim 364,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.371. The method of claim 364, wherein the real set of characteristicsfurther comprises a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.372. The method of claim 364, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 373. The method of claim 364, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 374. The method of claim 364, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 375. The method of claim 364, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates, the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 376. The method of claim375, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 377. The method of claim 364,wherein the accident further comprises a collision of the vehicle andone or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the atleast one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liabilityof a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the groupconsisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a roadcondition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control,visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue,driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a suddenstop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failureto take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improperparking, and improper signaling.
 378. The method of claim 364, whereinthe estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimatedby a range radius.
 379. The method of claim 364, wherein the estimateliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 380. Themethod of claim 364, wherein the computer system is further configuredto access a different memory containing information useful fordetermining a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident. 381.The method of claim 364, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to access a different memory containing information aboutlaws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 382. The methodof claim 364, wherein the computer system is further configured toaccess a different memory containing information useful for determininga right of way for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein thecomputer system is further configured to determine the right of way forthe vehicle in the real accident.
 383. A method of estimating liabilityfor an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real setof characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident, anaccident type of the real accident, and an impact point of the vehiclein the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured toaccess a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a locationof the one or the past or theoretical accidents, an accident type of theone of the past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of thevehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing thereal set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the pastor theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 384. The method of claim 383,wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in thedatabase.
 385. The method of claim 383, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more othervehicles.
 386. The method of claim 383, wherein the real accidentcomprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and oneor more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabilitycomprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at leastthe vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident. 387.The method of claim 383, wherein the real accident comprises a collisioninvolving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and whereindetermining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimateof liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more othervehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties,wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the realaccident.
 388. The method of claim 383, wherein the estimate ofliability is expressed as a percentage.
 389. The method of claim 383,wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.390. The method of claim 383, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 391. The method of claim 383, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 392. The method of claim 383, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 393. The method of claim 383, wherein determining anestimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimateand one or more factor estimates, the method further comprisingdetermining a final liability estimate based on the base liabilityestimate and the one or more factor estimates.
 394. The method of claim393, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of aneffect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected fromthe group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view orglare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defectivetraffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs,driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driverfatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, asudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing,failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change,improper parking, and improper signaling.
 395. The method of claim 383,wherein the accident further comprises a collision of the vehicle andone or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the atleast one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liabilityof a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the groupconsisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a roadcondition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control,visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue,driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a suddenstop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failureto take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improperparking, and improper signaling.
 396. The method of claim 383, whereinthe estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimatedby a range radius.
 397. The method of claim 383, wherein the estimateliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 398. Themethod of claim 383, wherein the computer system is further configuredto access a different memory containing information useful fordetermining the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident. 399.The method of claim 383, wherein the computer system is furtherconfigured to access a different memory containing information aboutlaws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
 400. The methodof claim 383, wherein the computer system is further configured toaccess a different memory containing information useful for determiningthe right of way for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein thecomputer system is further configured to determine the right of way forthe vehicle in the real accident.
 401. A system configured to estimateliability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and asystem memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident,wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents, and wherein each of the sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents is associated with an estimate ofliability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 402. A system configured to estimate liability,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right of wayfor a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associatedwith estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aright of way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearestmatching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining anestimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofliability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.403. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; adata memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU,wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computerprograms executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs areexecutable to implement a method for estimating liability, the methodcomprising: providing to the computer system a real set ofcharacteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of thereal set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at alocation of the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aroadway configuration at a location of one of the past or theoreticalaccidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 404. A system configured to estimate liability,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises an accident typeof the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises anaccident type of one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing thereal set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating tothe past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 405. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in the real accident;wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past ortheoretical accidents comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the onepast or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristicsto the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics.
 406. A system configured to estimateliability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and asystem memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and aroadway configuration at the location of the real accident; wherein thedata memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at leastone of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoreticalaccidents comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the one of the pastor theoretical accidents and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 407. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and anaccident type of the real accident; wherein the data memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associatedwith estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aright of way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidentsand an accident type of the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relatingto the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching setof characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabilityfor the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 408. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and animpact point of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein the datamemory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at leastone of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoreticalaccidents comprises a right of way for a vehicle in one of the past ortheoretical accidents and an impact point of the vehicle in the one pastor theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics tothe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics.
 409. A system configured to estimateliability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and asystem memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident andan accident type of the real accident; wherein the data memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associatedwith estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aroadway configuration at a location of one of the past or theoreticalaccidents and an accident type of the one past of theoretical accident;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearestmatching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristicsrelating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining anestimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofliability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.410. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; adata memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU,wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computerprograms executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs areexecutable to implement a method for estimating liability, the methodcomprising: providing to the computer system a real set ofcharacteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of thereal set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at alocation of the real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in thereal accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics forthe for past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configurationat a location of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relatingto the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching setof characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabilityfor the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 411. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type of the real accident and an impact point of avehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises anaccident type of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relatingto the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching setof characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabilityfor the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 412. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident, and an accident typeof the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aright of way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents,a roadway configuration at a location of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents, and an accident type of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 413. A system configured to estimate liability,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right of wayfor a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at alocation of the real accident, and an impact point of the vehicle in thereal accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics forthe for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right of way for avehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the one of the past or theoreticalaccidents, and an impact point of the vehicle in the one of the past ortheoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 414. A system configured to estimate liability,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right of wayfor a vehicle in the real accident, an impact point of the vehicle inthe real accident, and an accident type of the real accident; whereinthe data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past ortheoretical accidents comprises a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an impact point of the vehicle in theone of the past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type of theone of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 415. A system configured toestimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU;and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident, animpact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises aroadway configuration at a location of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents, an impact point of a vehicle in the one of thepast or theoretical accidents, and an accident type of the one of thepast or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristicsto the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics.
 416. A system configured to estimateliability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and asystem memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to thecomputer system a real set of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident, an impact point of thevehicle in the real accident, and an accident type of the real accident;wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past ortheoretical accidents comprises a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a locationof the one of the past or theoretical accidents, an impact point of thevehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and an accidenttype of the one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the realset of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 417. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 418. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right of wayfor a vehicle in the accident; wherein the computer system is configuredto access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents comprises a right of way for a vehiclein the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 419. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration at the location of the real vehicle accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprisesa roadway configuration at the location of one of the past ortheoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to thesets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 420. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising:providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating toa real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type; wherein the computer system is configured toaccess a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristicsfor past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates ofliability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type of the pastor theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics tothe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics amongthe sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoreticalaccidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the realaccident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearestmatching set of characteristics.
 421. A carrier medium comprisingprogram instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast one of the real set of characteristics comprises an impact pointfor a vehicle involved in the real accident; wherein the computer systemis configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises animpact point for a vehicle involved in one of the past or theoreticalaccidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 422. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising:providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating toa real accident, wherein at least two of the set of real characteristicscomprise a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadwayconfiguration at the location of the real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associatedwith estimates of liability, and wherein at least two of the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents and aroadway configuration at the location of the past or theoreticalaccident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents todetermine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; anddetermining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on theestimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 423. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising:providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating toa real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristicscomprise a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and anaccident type of the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least two of the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accident and an accidenttype of the past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 424. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast two of the real set of characteristics comprise a right of way fora vehicle in the real accident and an impact point of the vehicle in thereal accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access amemory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least two of the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact points of the vehicle inthe one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 425. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access amemory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, andwherein at least two of the sets of characteristics comprise a roadwayconfiguration at a location of one of the past or theoretical accidentsand an accident type of the past or theoretical accident; comparing thereal set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating tothe past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 426. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein atleast two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the real accident and an impact points ofa vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with anestimate of liability, and wherein at least two of the characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configurationat a location of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relatingto the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching setof characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to thepast or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabilityfor the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 427. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an accident type of the real accident and animpact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associatedwith estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics ofthe past or theoretical accidents comprise an accident type of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle inthe one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 428. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident,and an accident type of the real accident; wherein the computer systemis configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle inone of the past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at alocation of the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and anaccident type of the one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 429. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident,and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a rightof way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, aroadway configuration at a location of the one of the past ortheoretical accidents, and an impact point of the vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 430. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the realaccident, an accident type of the real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein the characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an accident type of the one of thepast or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of the vehicle in theone or the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the pastor theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability forthe real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 431. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability foran accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thereal accident of the real accident, an accident type of the realaccident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; whereinthe computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentsassociated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a roadwayconfiguration at a location of one of the past or theoretical accidents,an accident type of the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and animpact point of a vehicle in the one of the past or theoreticalaccidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine anearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determiningan estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofliability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.432. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein theprogram instructions are computer-executable to implement a method forestimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providingto a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an accident type of the real accident, and an impactpoint of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer systemis configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle inone of the past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at alocation of the one or the past or theoretical accidents, an accidenttype of the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and an impactpoint of the vehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of liability associated with thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 433. A method of estimatingliability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system areal set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents;determining a theoretical right of way in the real accident from atleast one characteristic of the real set of characteristics; and whereinthe computer system is further configured to correlate the theoreticalright of way and the real set of characteristics to a right of way forthe past or theoretical accidents and the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents and to estimate a base liability forthe real accident based on a correlation of the computer system. 434.The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration of the real accident.
 435. The methodof claim 434, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from thegroup consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.436. The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type of the real accident.
 437. The method ofclaim 436, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 438. The method of claim 433, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the realaccident.
 439. The method of claim 438, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 440. The method ofclaim 433, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a trafficcontrol.
 441. The method of claim 433, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a traffic control, and wherein the trafficcontrol is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellowlight, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stopsign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, apolice officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, aflagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another personsignaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle,and a school bus.
 442. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an accident type of the real accident.
 443. Themethod of claim 442, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 444. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a traffic control.
 445. The method of claim444, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consistingof a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, aright turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, aflashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officersignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop,another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, anemergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 446. The method of claim 433,wherein the real characteristics used by the computer system todetermine a theoretical right of way in the vehicle accident comprise atleast an accident type.
 447. The method of claim 446, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 448. The method of claim 433,wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a jurisdiction. 449.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristiccomprises a jurisdiction, and wherein the jurisdiction comprises a stateor a territory of the United States.
 450. The method of claim 433,wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic control andan accident type.
 451. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a traffic control and an accident type, andwherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of ared light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a rightturn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashingyellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officersignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop,another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, anemergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 452. The method of claim 433,wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic control andan accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 453. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises at least a traffic control and a jurisdiction.454. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristiccomprises at least a traffic control and a jurisdiction, and wherein thejurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States. 455.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristiccomprises at least a traffic control and a jurisdiction, and wherein thetraffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, ayellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, astop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light,a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, aflagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another personsignaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle,and a school bus.
 456. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an accident type and a jurisdiction.
 457. Themethod of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprisesan accident type and a jurisdiction, and wherein the jurisdictioncomprises a state or territory of the United States.
 458. The method ofclaim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accidenttype and a jurisdiction, and wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 459. The method of claim 433, wherein the at leastone characteristic comprises a right of way and at least a roadwayconfiguration.
 460. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way and at least a roadwayconfiguration, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersectionwith a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into anotherwith no turns and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-waytraffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two ormore lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 461. The method of claim433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of wayand at least an accident type.
 462. The method of claim 433, wherein theat least one characteristic comprises a right of way and at least anaccident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 463. The method of claim 433, wherein at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way and at least an accident type.464. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristiccomprises a right of way and at least an accident type, and wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from Tight, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 465. The method of claim 433,wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way and atleast impact points of each vehicle involved in the real accident. 466.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises aright of way and at least impact points of each vehicle involved in thereal accident, and wherein each of the impact points comprises one ofthe following: right front corner, right front fender, right middle,right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rearcorner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, leftfront corner, and front middle.
 467. The method of claim 433, wherein atleast one characteristic comprises a right of way and at least a roadwayconfiguration and an accident type.
 468. The method of claim 433,wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way and atleast a roadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed,four-way intersection, T-angle intersection with a T-angle that mayvary, the merging of one roadway into another with no turns and in onedirection, curve, parking lot with two-way traffic, parking lot with oneway traffic, center turn lane, and two or more lane road divided by aphysical barrier.
 469. The method of claim 433, wherein at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way and at least a roadwayconfiguration and an accident type, and wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 470. The method of claim 433, wherein at leastone characteristic comprises a right of way, a roadway configuration,and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.
 471. The methodof claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, and an impact point of a vehicle in thereal accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersectionwith a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into anotherwith no turns and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-waytraffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two ormore lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 472. The method of claim433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way, aroadway configuration, and an impact point of a vehicle in the realaccident, and wherein each of the impact points is selected from thegroup consisting of right front corner, right front fender, rightmiddle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, leftrear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender,left front corner, and front middle.
 473. The method of claim 433,wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way, anaccident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.474. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristiccomprises a right of way, an accident type, and an impact point of avehicle in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selectedfrom the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic,a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 475. The method of claim 433, wherein at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way, an accident type, and an impactpoint of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 476. The method ofclaim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way,a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of avehicle in the real accident.
 477. The method of claim 433, wherein atleast one characteristic comprises a right of way, a roadwayconfiguration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in thereal accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersectionwith a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into anotherwith no turns and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-waytraffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two ormore lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 478. The method of claim433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way, aroadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of avehicle in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selectedfrom the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic,a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 479. The method of claim 433, wherein at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way, a roadway configuration, anaccident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident,and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting ofright front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 480. A system for estimating liability, comprising: aCPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled tothe CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or morecomputer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computerprograms are executable to implement a method for estimating liability,the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set ofcharacteristics of a real vehicle accident; wherein the data memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents;determining a theoretical right of way in the real accident from atleast one characteristic of the real set of characteristics; andcorrelating the theoretical right of way and the real set ofcharacteristics to a right of way for the past or theoretical accidentsand the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents toestimate a base liability for the real accident.
 481. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for avehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer systema real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents;determining a theoretical right of way in the real accident from atleast one characteristic of the real set of characteristics; and whereinthe computer system is further configured to correlate the theoreticalright of way and the real set of characteristics to a right of way forthe past or theoretical accidents and the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents and to estimate a base liability forthe real accident based on a correlation of the computer system.
 482. Amethod of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, comprising:estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident with acomputer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the baseliability of the party with the computer system; and determining anestimate of liability of the party with the estimated of base liabilityand the estimated effect of the one or more factors on the baseliability.
 483. The method of claim 482, wherein the base liability is aportion of the liability independent of the one or more factors, andwherein the one or more factors are specific to conditions of vehiclesin the vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident,actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditionscommon to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
 484. The method of claim482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident.
 485. The method of claim 482,wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 486. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the baseliability comprises estimating the base liability from at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadwayconfiguration at the location of the vehicle accident.
 487. The methodof claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimatingthe base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a roadway configuration at the location of thevehicle accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.488. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liabilitycomprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristicof a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and whereinthe at least one characteristic comprises an accident type of thevehicle accident.
 489. The method of claim 488, wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 490. The method of claim 482,wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 491. The method of claim 490, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 492. The method ofclaim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimatingthe base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicleaccident and a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicleaccident.
 493. The method of claim 492, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 494. The method of claim 482, wherein estimatingthe base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at leastone characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicleaccident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a rightof way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and an accident type of thevehicle accident.
 495. The method of claim 494, wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 496. The method of claim 482,wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicleaccident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident. 497.The method of claim 496, wherein the impact point is selected from thegroup consisting of right front corner, right front fender, rightmiddle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, leftrear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender,left front corner, and front middle.
 498. The method of claim 482,wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thevehicle accident and an accident type of the vehicle accident.
 499. Themethod of claim 498, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.500. The method of claim 498, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 501. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating thebase liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident and a impact pointof a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 502. The method of claim 501,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 503. The method of claim 501,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 504. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating thebase liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident typeof the vehicle accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 505. The method of claim 504, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 506. The method of claim 504, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 507. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the baseliability comprises estimating the base liability from at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way fora vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a locationof the vehicle accident, and an accident type of the vehicle accident.508. The method of claim 507, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 509. The method of claim 507, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 510. The method of claim 482, whereinestimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liabilityfrom at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of thevehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprisesa right of way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident, and an impact pointof a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 511. The method of claim 510,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 512. The method of claim 510,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 513. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating thebase liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way fora vehicle in the vehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicleaccident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident. 514.The method of claim 513, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 515. The method of claim 513, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 516. The method ofclaim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimatingthe base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thevehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicle accident, and animpact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 517. The method ofclaim 516, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 518. The method ofclaim 516, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 519. The method of claim 516, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 520. The method ofclaim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimatingthe base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicleaccident, a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident,an accident type of the vehicle accident, and an impact point of avehicle in the vehicle accident.
 521. The method of claim 520, whereinthe roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a twoor more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 522. The method of claim 520, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 523. The method of claim 520,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 524. The method of claim 482, wherein the one or morefactors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 525. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjustingthe one or more factors with a situational weight.
 526. The method ofclaim 482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with asituational weight, and estimating the situational weight fromcircumstances relating to the vehicle accident.
 527. The method of claim482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with asituational weight, and estimating the situational weight from knowledgeobtained from experienced claims adjusters.
 528. The method of claim482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a rankingfactor.
 529. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting a sumof the one or more factors with a factor influence.
 530. The method ofclaim 482, wherein liability is a range, and wherein the range isestimated by a range radius.
 531. The method of claim 482, whereinliability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius,and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 532. Asystem for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a partyin a vehicle accident; estimating an effect of one or more factors onthe base liability of the party; and determining an estimate ofliability of the party with the estimated base liability and theestimated effect of the one or more factors on the base liability. 533.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the programinstructions are computer-executable to implement a method forestimating liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising:estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident with acomputer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the baseliability of the party with the computer system; and determining anestimate of liability of the party with the estimated of base liabilityand the estimated effect of the one or more factors on the baseliability.
 534. A method of estimating liability and a range ofliability for a vehicle accident, comprising: estimating a baseliability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lower bound of liabilityof the party, and an upper bound of liability of the party with acomputer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the baseliability of the party with a computer system; and wherein the one ormore factors depend upon conditions of vehicles in the vehicle accident,conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident, actions of drivers in thevehicle accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in thevehicle accident.
 535. The method of claim 534, wherein the baseliability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident.
 536. The method of claim 534,wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristicof a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and whereinthe at least one characteristic comprises a right of way for one of thevehicles in the vehicle accident.
 537. The method of claim 534, whereinthe base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a realset of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at leastone characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
 538. The method of claim 537, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 539. The method of claim 534, wherein the baseliability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an accident type of the vehicle accident. 540.The method of claim 539, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 541. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability isestimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an impact point of one of the vehicles in thevehicle accident.
 542. The method of claim 541, wherein the impact pointis selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 543. The method ofclaim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way forone of the vehicles in the vehicle accident and a roadway configurationat a location of the vehicle accident.
 544. The method of claim 543,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 545. The method of claim 534,wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristicof a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and whereinthe at least one characteristic comprises a right of way for one of thevehicles in the vehicle accident and an accident type of the vehicleaccident.
 546. The method of claim 545, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 547. The method of claim 534, wherein the baseliability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for one of the vehicles in thevehicle accident and an impact point of one of the vehicles in thevehicle accident.
 548. The method of claim 547, wherein the impact pointis selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 549. The method ofclaim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident and an accident typeof the vehicle accident.
 550. The method of claim 549, wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 551. The method of claim 549, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 552. The method of claim 534,wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristicof a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and whereinthe at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at alocation of the vehicle accident and an impact point of one of thevehicles in the vehicle accident.
 553. The method of claim 552, whereinthe roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a twoor more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 554. The method of claim 552, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 555. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liabilityis estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises an accident type of the vehicle accident and animpact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicle accident.
 556. Themethod of claim 555, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 557. The method of claim 555, wherein the impact points isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 558. The method ofclaim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way forone of the vehicles, a roadway configuration at a location of thevehicle accident, and an accident type of the vehicle accident.
 559. Themethod of claim 558, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.560. The method of claim 558, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 561. The method of claim 534, wherein the baseliability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a right of way for one of the vehicles in thevehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicleaccident, and an impact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicleaccident.
 562. The method of claim 561, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 563. The method of claim 561, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 564. The methodof claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way forone of the vehicles in the vehicle accident, an accident type of thevehicle accident, and an impact point of one of the vehicles in thevehicle accident.
 565. The method of claim 564, wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 566. The method of claim 564,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 567. The method of claim 534, wherein the baseliability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set ofcharacteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least onecharacteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thevehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicle accident, and animpact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicle accident.
 568. Themethod of claim 567, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.569. The method of claim 567, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 570. The method of claim 567, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 571. The methodof claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least onecharacteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident,and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way forone of the vehicles in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration ata location of the vehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicleaccident, and an impact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicleaccident.
 572. The method of claim 571, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 573. The method of claim 571, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 574. The method of claim 571,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 575. The method of claim 534, wherein the one or morefactors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 576. The method of claim 534, further comprising adjustingthe one or more factors with a situational weight.
 577. The method ofclaim 534, estimating a situational weight from circumstances relatingto the vehicle accident, and adjusting the one or more factors with thesituational weight.
 578. The method of claim 534, estimating asituational weight from knowledge obtained from experienced claimsadjusters, and adjusting the one or more factors with the situationalweight.
 579. The method of claim 534, further comprising adjusting theone or more factors with a ranking factor.
 580. The method of claim 534,further comprising adjusting a sum of the one or more factors with afactor influence.
 581. A system for estimating liability comprising: aCPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memoryis configured to store one or more computer programs executable by theCPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement amethod for estimating liability, the method comprising: estimating abase liability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lower bound ofliability of the party, and an upper bound of liability of the party;estimating an effect of one or more factors on the liability; andwherein the one or more factors depend upon conditions of vehicles inthe vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident,actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditionscommon to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
 582. A carrier mediumcomprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method of estimating liability and arange of liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising:estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lowerbound of liability of the party, and an upper bound of liability of theparty with a computer system; estimating an effect of one or morefactors on the base liability of the party with a computer system; andwherein the one or more factors depend upon conditions of vehicles inthe vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident,actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditionscommon to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
 583. A method of determiningright of way in a vehicle accident, comprising: providing to a computersystem a real set of characteristics of to a real accident; wherein thecomputer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, andwherein a determination of a right of way is associated with one or moreof the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining a right of way for the realaccident based on the determination of the right of way associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 584. The method of claim583, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident. 585.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident.586. The method of claim 585, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 587. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an accident type of the real accident. 588.The method of claim 587, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 589. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a traffic control.
 590. The method of claim589, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consistingof a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, aright turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, aflashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officersignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop,another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, anemergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 591. The method of claim 583,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a jurisdiction. 592.The method of claim 591, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or aterritory of the United States.
 593. The method of claim 583, whereinthe real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at alocation of the real accident and an accident type of the real accident.594. The method of claim 593, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 595. The method of claim 593, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 596. The method of claim 583, wherein at leasttwo of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configurationat a location of the real accident and a traffic control.
 597. Themethod of claim 596, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can, be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.598. The method of claim 596, wherein the traffic control is selectedfrom the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light,a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, aflashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signalingstop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signalingproceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, aflagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another personsignaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 599. The methodof claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aroadway configuration at a location of the real accident and ajurisdiction.
 600. The method of claim 599, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 601. The method of claim 599, wherein thejurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States. 602.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type of the real accident and a traffic control.603. The method of claim 602, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 604. The method of claim 602, wherein the trafficcontrol is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellowlight, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stopsign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, apolice officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, aflagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another personsignaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle,and a school bus.
 605. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an accident type of the real accident and ajurisdiction.
 606. The method of claim 605, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 607. The method of claim 605, wherein thejurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States. 608.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a traffic control and a jurisdiction.
 609. The method of claim608, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consistingof a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, aright turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, aflashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officersignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop,another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, anemergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 610. The method of claim 608,wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the UnitedStates.
 611. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thereal accident, an accident type of the real accident, and a trafficcontrol.
 612. The method of claim 611, wherein the roadway configurationis selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, adivided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection,a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve,a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic,a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 613. The method of claim 611, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 614. The method of claim 611, wherein thetraffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, ayellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, astop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light,a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, aflagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another personsignaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle,and a school bus.
 615. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thereal accident, an accident type of the real accident, and ajurisdiction.
 616. The method of claim 615, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 617. The method of claim 615, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 618. The method of claim 615,wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the UnitedStates.
 619. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thereal accident, a traffic control, and a jurisdiction.
 620. The method ofclaim 619, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 621. The method ofclaim 619, wherein the traffic control is selected from the groupconsisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turnarrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing redlight, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, apolice officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flaggersignaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another personsignaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 622. The methodof claim 619, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territoryof the United States.
 623. The method of claim 583, wherein the real setof characteristics comprises an accident type of the real accident, atraffic control, and a jurisdiction.
 624. The method of claim 623,wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of arear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, aleft turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns tosame lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic fromleft, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to asingle lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whilebacking, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
 625. Themethod of claim 623, wherein the traffic control is selected from thegroup consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a leftturn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashingred light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, apolice officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, acrossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flaggersignaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another personsignaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 626. The methodof claim 623, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territoryof the United States.
 627. The method of claim 583, wherein the real setof characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an accident type of the real accident, a trafficcontrol, and a jurisdiction.
 628. The method of claim 627, wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 629. The method of claim 627, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 630. The method of claim 627,wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of ared light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a rightturn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashingyellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officersignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop,another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, anemergency vehicle, and a school bus.
 631. The method of claim 627,wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the UnitedStates.
 632. A system of determining right of way in a vehicle accident,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memorycoupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store oneor more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein thecomputer programs are executable to implement a method for estimatingliability, the method comprising: providing to a real set ofcharacteristics of a real accident; wherein the data memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; providing adetermination of a right of way of a vehicle for one or more of the setof characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; comparing the realset of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining a right of way for the realaccident based on the determined right of way for the nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating topast or theoretical accidents.
 633. A carrier medium comprising programinstructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executableto implement a method of determining right of way in a vehicle accident,the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set ofcharacteristics of to a real accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents, and wherein adetermination of a right of way is associated with one or more of thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; comparingthe real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for thepast or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining a right of way for the realaccident based on the determination of the right of way associated withthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
 634. A method of estimatingliability for a vehicle accident, comprising: providing to a computersystem a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein thereal set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle inthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access amemory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents, wherein the sets of characteristics for the pastor theoretical accident comprise an impact point for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, wherein the impact point for thevehicle is the one of the past or theoretical accidents is associatedwith at least one impact group, and wherein the at least one impactgroup is associated with an estimate of a base liability; comparing thereal set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the pastor theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of the base liability associatedwith the at least one impact group of the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics.
 635. The method of claim 634, wherein the estimate ofliability associated with the at least one impact group is determined byusing knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
 636. Themethod of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents further comprise a roadway configuration.
 637. Themethod of claim 636, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.638. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics forthe past or theoretical accidents further comprise an accident type.639. The method of claim 638, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 640. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise aright of way.
 641. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise aroadway configuration and an accident type.
 642. The method of claim641, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 643. The method ofclaim 641, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 644. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise aroadway configuration and a right of way.
 645. The method of claim 644,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 646. The method of claim 634,wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoreticalaccidents further comprise an accident type and a right of way.
 647. Themethod of claim 646, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 648. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise aroadway configuration, an accident type, and a right of way.
 649. Themethod of claim 648, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.650. The method of claim 648, wherein the accident type is selected fromthe group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, aleft turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turnentering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, aU-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parkedvehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge fromright, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parkedvehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight crosstraffic collision.
 651. A system for estimating liability, comprising: aCPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled tothe CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or morecomputer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computerprograms are executable to implement a method for estimating liability,the method comprising: providing a real set of characteristics of a realaccident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impactpoint for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents,wherein the sets of characteristics comprise an impact points for avehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, wherein the impactpoint for the vehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents isassociated with at least one impact group, and wherein the at least oneimpact group is associated with an estimate of a base liability;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based on the estimate of the base liability associatedwith the at least one impact group of the nearest matching set ofcharacteristics
 652. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, the methodcomprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristicsof a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises animpact point for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computersystem is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprisessets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, wherein thesets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise animpact point for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents,wherein the impact point for the vehicle is the one of the past ortheoretical accidents is associated with at least one impact group, andwherein the at least one impact group is associated with an estimate ofa base liability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the setsof characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine anearest matching set of characteristics among the sets ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determiningan estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofthe base liability associated with the at least one impact group of thenearest matching set of characteristics.
 653. A method of estimatingliability for a vehicle accident, comprising: estimating a baseliability of a party involved in a vehicle accident using a computersystem; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the baseliability using a computer system; determining an estimate of liabilityof the party based on the base liability and the effect of the one ormore factors on the base liability; and assigning an absolute liabilityvalue as the liability of the party if the effect of the one or morefactors exceeds a user specified value.
 654. The method of claim 653,wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the baseliability using a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident.655. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 656. Themethod of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises aroadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident.
 657. Themethod of claim 656, wherein the roadway configuration is selected fromthe group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with amedian that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angleintersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parkinglot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a centerturn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.658. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristicscomprises an accident type of the vehicle accident.
 659. The method ofclaim 658, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 660. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 661. The method of claim 660, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 662. The method ofclaim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and a roadway configuration ata location of the vehicle accident.
 663. The method of claim 662,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 664. The method of claim 654,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the vehicle accident and an accident type of the vehicleaccident.
 665. The method of claim 664, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 666. The method of claim 654, wherein the realset of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in thevehicle accident and an impact point of the vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 667. The method of claim 666, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 668. The method ofclaim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident and an accident typeof the vehicle accident.
 669. The method of claim 668, wherein theroadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two ormore lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 670. The method of claim 668, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 671. The method of claim 654,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident and an impact pointof a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 672. The method of claim 671,wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consistingof a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can becrossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging ofone roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, aparking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or morelane road divided by a physical barrier.
 673. The method of claim 671,wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of rightfront corner, right front fender, right middle, right rearquarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, leftrear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner,and front middle.
 674. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises an accident type of the vehicle accident andan impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 675. The method ofclaim 674, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 676. The method of claim 674, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 677. The method ofclaim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at alocation of the vehicle accident, and an accident type of the vehicleaccident.
 678. The method of claim 677, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 679. The method of claim 677, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 680. The method of claim 654,wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for avehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a locationof the vehicle accident, and an impact point of the vehicle in thevehicle accident.
 681. The method of claim 680, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 682. The method of claim 680, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 683. The methodof claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a rightof way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, an accident type of thevehicle accident, and an impact point of the vehicle in the vehicleaccident.
 684. The method of claim 683, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 685. The method of claim 683, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 686. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set ofcharacteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of thevehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicle accident, and animpact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
 687. The method ofclaim 686, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 688. The method ofclaim 686, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 689. The method of claim 686, wherein the impact point isselected from the group consisting of right front corner, right frontfender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rearmiddle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, leftfront fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 690. The method ofclaim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at alocation of the vehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicleaccident, and an impact point of the vehicle in the vehicle accident.691. The method of claim 690, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 692. The method of claim 690, wherein the accident type isselected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossingtraffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, aright turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent leftturns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, amerge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with aparked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straightcross traffic collision.
 693. The method of claim 690, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 694. The method of claim 653, wherein the one or morefactors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone,an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a roaddefect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 695. The method of claim 653, further comprising adjustingthe one or more factors with a situational weight.
 696. The method ofclaim 653, estimating a situational weight from circumstances of thevehicle accident, and adjusting the one or more factors with thesituational weight.
 697. The method of claim 695, estimating asituational weight from knowledge obtained from experienced claimsadjusters, and adjusting the one or more factors with the situationalweight.
 698. The method of claim 653, further comprising adjusting theone or more factors with a ranking factor.
 699. The method of claim 653,further comprising adjusting a sum of the one or more factors with afactor influence.
 700. The method of claim 653, wherein the estimate ofliability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a rangeradius.
 701. The method of claim 653, wherein the estimate of liabilityis a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, andwherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
 702. A systemfor estimating liability for a vehicle accident, comprising: a CPU; anda system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: estimating a baseliability of a party involved in a vehicle accident; estimating aneffect of one or more factors on the base liability; determining anestimate of liability of the party based on the base liability and theeffect of the one or more factors on the base liability; and assigningan absolute liability value as liability of the party if the effect ofthe one or more factors exceeds a user specified value.
 703. A carriermedium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructionsare computer-executable to implement a method of estimating liabilityfor a vehicle accident, the method comprising: estimating a baseliability of a party involved in a vehicle accident using a computersystem; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the baseliability using a computer system; determining an estimate of liabilityof the party based on the base liability and the effect of the one ormore factors on the base liability; and assigning an absolute liabilityvalue as the liability of the party if the effect of the one or morefactors exceeds a user specified value.
 704. A method of estimatingliability in a real accident, comprising: providing to a computer a realset of characteristics of a real accident; wherein at least one of thecharacteristics of the real set is based on a condition of a vehicle inthe real accident, a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the realaccident, an action of the driver of the vehicle in the real accident,or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at leastone of the characteristics of the sets of characteristics for the pastor theoretical accidents is based on a condition of a vehicle in thepast or theoretical accidents, a condition of a driver of the vehicle inthe past or theoretical accidents, an action of the driver of thevehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, or an environmentalcondition common to the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based the estimate of liability of a associated with thenearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoreticalaccidents.
 705. The method of claim 704, wherein the characteristics areselected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructedview or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, adefective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs,prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 706. The method of claim 704, further comprising adjustingestimate of liability with a situational weight.
 707. The method ofclaim 704, further comprising estimating a situational weight from oneor more circumstances of the vehicle accident, and adjusting estimate ofliability with a situational weight.
 708. The method of claim 704,further comprising estimating a situational weight from knowledgeobtained from an experienced claims adjuster, a nd adjusting estimate ofliability with a situational weight.
 709. The method of claim 704,further comprising adjusting estimate of liability with one or moreranking factors.
 710. The method of claim 704, further comprisingadjusting estimate of liability with a factor influence.
 711. A systemfor estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled tothe CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the systemmemory is configured to store one or more computer programs executableby the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable toimplement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising:providing a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein atleast one of the characteristics of the real set is based on a conditionof a vehicle in the real accident, a condition of a driver of thevehicle in the real accident, an action of the driver of the vehicle inthe real accident, or an environmental condition common to the vehiclein the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated withestimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the characteristicsof the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents isbased on a condition of a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents,a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the past or theoreticalaccidents, an action of the driver of the vehicle in the past ortheoretical accidents, or an environmental condition common to thevehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set ofcharacteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set ofcharacteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based the estimate of liability of a associated with thenearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoreticalaccidents.
 712. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod of estimating the contribution to liability in a vehicleaccident, the method comprising: providing to a computer a real set ofcharacteristics of a real accident; wherein at least one of thecharacteristics of the real set is based on a condition of a vehicle inthe real accident, a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the realaccident, an action of the driver of the vehicle in the real accident,or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoreticalaccidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at leastone of the characteristics of the sets of characteristics for the pastor theoretical accidents is based on a condition of a vehicle in thepast or theoretical accidents, a condition of a driver of the vehicle inthe past or theoretical accidents, an action of the driver of thevehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, or an environmentalcondition common to the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents;comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matchingset of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for thereal accident based the estimate of liability of a associated with thenearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoreticalaccidents.
 713. A method, comprising: providing to a computer system oneor more sets of impact points relating to a past or theoreticalaccident, wherein the one or more sets of impact points comprise animpact point for at least one vehicle in the past or theoreticalaccident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory,wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents; providing to the computer system an estimate ofliability corresponding to the one or more sets of impact points for thepast or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability inthe memory in association with the one or more sets of impact points andthe sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents.
 714. Themethod of claim 713, wherein the past or theoretical accident comprisesa two vehicle accident.
 715. The method of claim 713, wherein theestimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
 716. The method ofclaim 713, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range ofpercentage liability.
 717. The method of claim 713, wherein the impactpoint is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, rightfront fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner,rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle,left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
 718. The methodof claim 713, wherein the sets of characteristics for past ortheoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
 719. The method of claim 718, wherein the roadwayconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of a two or morelane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-wayintersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway intoanother, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot withone way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road dividedby a physical barrier.
 720. The method of claim 713, wherein the sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents comprise an accidenttype of the vehicle accident.
 721. The method of claim 720, wherein theaccident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, aleft turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turnentering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to samelane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging intotraffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, amerge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane,a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 722. The method of claim 713,wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidentscomprise a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accidentand an accident type of the vehicle accident.
 723. The method of claim722, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 724. The method ofclaim 722, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 725. A system, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled tothe CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the systemmemory is configured to store one or more computer programs executableby the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable toimplement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising:providing one or more sets of impact points relating to a past ortheoretical accident, wherein the one or more sets of impact pointscomprise an impact point for at least one vehicle in the past ortheoretical accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents; providing to thecomputer system an estimate of liability corresponding to the one ormore sets of impact points for the past or theoretical accident; andstoring the estimate of liability in the memory in association with theone or more sets of impact points and the sets of characteristics forpast or theoretical accidents.
 726. A carrier medium comprising programinstructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executableto implement a method comprising: providing to a computer system one ormore sets of impact points relating to a past or theoretical accident,wherein the one or more sets of impact points comprise an impact pointfor at least one vehicle in the past or theoretical accident; whereinthe computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents;providing to the computer system an estimate of liability correspondingto the one or more sets of impact points for the past or theoreticalaccident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory inassociation with the one or more sets of impact points and the sets ofcharacteristics for past or theoretical accidents.
 727. A method,comprising: providing to a computer system an estimate of liability fora past or theoretical accident; wherein the computer system isconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises a set ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accident; and storing theestimate of liability in the memory in association with the set ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accident.
 728. The method ofclaim 727, wherein the accident comprises a vehicle accident.
 729. Themethod of claim 727, wherein the accident comprises a two vehicleaccident.
 730. The method of claim 727, wherein the estimate of theliability is expressed as a percentage.
 731. The method of claim 727,wherein set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidentcomprise a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident.732. The method of claim 731, wherein the roadway configuration isselected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a dividedroad with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, aT-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, aparking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, acenter turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physicalbarrier.
 733. The method of claim 727, wherein set of characteristicsfor the past or theoretical accident comprise an accident type of thevehicle accident.
 734. The method of claim 733, wherein the accidenttype is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 735. The method of claim 727,wherein set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidentcomprise a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accidentand an accident type of the vehicle accident.
 736. The method of claim735, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 737. The method ofclaim 735, wherein the accident type is selected from the groupconsisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turnacross traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 738. The method of claim 727, wherein the estimate ofliability comprises a base liability, wherein the base liability is aportion of the liability independent of factors specific to condition ofvehicles in the accident, condition of drivers in the accident, actionsof drivers in the accident, and environmental conditions common tovehicles in the accident.
 739. The method of claim 727, wherein theestimate of liability comprises a lower bound of liability and an upperbound of liability.
 740. The method of claim 727, wherein the estimateof liability comprises a range radius.
 741. A system, comprising: a CPU;a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to theCPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or morecomputer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computerprograms are executable to implement a method for estimating liability,the method comprising: providing an estimate of liability for a past ortheoretical accident; wherein the data memory comprises a set ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accident; and storing theestimate of liability in the memory in association with the set ofcharacteristics for the past or theoretical accident.
 742. A carriermedium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructionsare computer-executable to implement a method of estimating liabilityfor a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computersystem an estimate of liability for a past or theoretical accident;wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, whereinthe memory comprises a set of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in thememory in association with the set of characteristics for the past ortheoretical accident.
 743. A method, comprising: providing a computersystem, configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises oneor more estimates of an effect on liability of one or more factorsrelating to a past or theoretical accident; providing to the computersystem one or more adjustments to the one or more estimates of theeffect on the liability of the one or more factors relating to the pastor theoretical accident; and storing the one or more adjustments in thememory in association with the one or more estimates of the effect onthe liability of the one or more factors relating to the past ortheoretical accident.
 744. The method of claim 743, wherein the accidentcomprises a vehicle accident.
 745. The method of claim 743, wherein theaccident comprises a two vehicle accident.
 746. The method of claim 743,wherein the one or more estimates of the effect on the liability areexpressed as a percentage.
 747. The method of claim 743, wherein the oneor more factors are selected from the group consisting of a constructionzone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, aroad defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicitdrugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driverinexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely,headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights orbrakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, highbeams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and impropersignaling.
 748. The method of claim 743, wherein the one or moreadjustments comprise situational weights.
 749. The method of claim 743,wherein the one or more adjustments comprise ranking factors.
 750. Themethod of claim 743, wherein the one or more adjustments comprise afactor influence, and wherein the factor influence adjusts a sum of theeffect on the liability of the one or more factors.
 751. A system,comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU wherein the datamemory comprises one or more estimates of an effect on liability of oneor more factors relating to a past or theoretical accident; and a systemmemory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured tostore one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and whereinthe computer programs are executable to implement a method forestimating liability, the method comprising: providing one or moreadjustments to the one or more estimates of the effect on the liabilityof the one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident;and storing the one or more adjustments in the data memory inassociation with the one or more estimates of the effect on theliability of the one or more factors relating to the past or theoreticalaccident.
 752. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, whereinthe program instructions are computer-executable to implement a methodcomprising: providing a computer system, configured to access a memory,wherein the memory comprises one or more estimates of an effect onliability of one or more factors relating to a past or theoreticalaccident; providing to the computer system one or more adjustments tothe one or more estimates of the effect on the liability of the one ormore factors relating to the past or theoretical accident; and storingthe one or more adjustments in the memory in association with the one ormore estimates of the effect on the liability of the one or more factorsrelating to the past or theoretical accident.
 753. A method, comprising:providing claim data regarding a vehicle accident to a computer systemvia a graphical user interface; providing data regarding at least onevehicle involved in the vehicle accident to the computer system via thegraphical user interface; providing an assessment of the vehicleaccident to the computer system via the graphical user interface; andstoring the claim data regarding the vehicle accident, the dataregarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident, and theassessment of the vehicle accident in a memory associated with thecomputer system.
 754. The method of claim 753, further comprisingdisplaying a consultation report via the graphical user interface. 755.The method of claim 754, wherein the consultation report comprises theclaim data, the data regarding the at least one vehicle, and theassessment.
 756. The method of claim 754, wherein the consultationreport comprises a range of liability for an insured party involved inthe vehicle accident.
 757. The method of claim 753, wherein the claimdata comprises policy data.
 758. The method of claim 753, wherein theclaim data comprises policy data, and wherein the policy data comprisesa claim number, a policy number, policy limits, or policy dates. 759.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises informationregarding parties involved in the vehicle accident.
 760. The method ofclaim 759, wherein the parties comprise an insured party and a claimantparty.
 761. The method of claim 759, wherein the parties comprise one ormore witnesses.
 762. The method of claim 759, wherein the informationregarding the parties involved in the vehicle accident comprises adescription of the vehicle accident provided by at least one of theparties.
 763. The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprisesa location, a date, and a time of the vehicle accident.
 764. The methodof claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises who reported the vehicleaccident, to whom the vehicle accident was reported, and whether policewere called.
 765. The method of claim 753, wherein the claim datacomprises content of a police report regarding the vehicle accident.766. The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises whetherthere were injuries in the vehicle accident.
 767. The method of claim753, wherein the claim data comprises a jurisdiction in which thevehicle accident occurred.
 768. The method of claim 767, wherein thejurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States. 769.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises a number ofvehicles involved in the vehicle accident.
 770. The method of claim 753,wherein the data comprises a type of the at least one vehicle involvedin the vehicle accident.
 771. The method of claim 770, wherein the typeof the at least one vehicle is an automobile or a light truck.
 772. Themethod of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accidentcomprises a graphical representation of an accident type.
 773. Themethod of claim 772, wherein the accident type is selected from thegroup consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a leftturn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn enteringtraffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, aparked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merginginto traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right,concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, acollision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross trafficcollision.
 774. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of thevehicle accident comprises a graphical representation of a roadwayconfiguration at a location of the vehicle accident.
 775. The method ofclaim 774, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median thatcan be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, amerging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-waytraffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and atwo or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
 776. The method ofclaim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises animpact point of the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicleaccident.
 777. The method of claim 776, wherein the impact point isrepresented graphically.
 778. The method of claim 776, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 779. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a description of the vehicle accident.780. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicleaccident comprises environmental conditions at a location of the vehicleaccident.
 781. The method of claim 780, wherein the environmentalconditions comprise a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, aroad condition, a road character, a road defects, a defective trafficcontrol, or visibility.
 782. The method of claim 753, wherein theassessment of the vehicle accident comprises a condition of a driver ofthe at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
 783. Themethod of claim 782, wherein the condition of the driver comprises aneffect of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driverinattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, ordriver illness.
 784. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises human actions.
 785. The method of claim784, wherein the human actions comprise following too closely, drivingwith headlights off, driving at an unsafe speed, a sudden stop orswerve, a failure to take evasive action, driving with high beams on, animproper lane change, improper parking, or improper signaling.
 786. Themethod of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accidentcomprises an assessment of a condition of the at least one vehicleinvolved in the accident.
 787. The method of claim 786, wherein thecondition comprises defective equipment.
 788. The method of claim 753,wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a speed limitat a location of the vehicle accident.
 789. The method of claim 753,wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a speed of theat least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
 790. The methodof claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprisesidentification of traffic controls at a location of the vehicleaccident.
 791. The method of claim 790, wherein the traffic control isselected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, agreen light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yieldsign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officersignaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guardsignaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signalingproceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed,another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.792. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicleaccident comprises a determination of whether traffic control deviceswere obeyed by the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicleaccident.
 793. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of thevehicle accident comprises a determination of whether traffic controlswere defective at a location of the vehicle accident.
 794. The method ofclaim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises adetermination of whether the at least one vehicle involved in thevehicle accident was defective.
 795. The method of claim 753, whereinthe assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a determination ofwhether roadway debris was present at a location of the vehicleaccident.
 796. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of thevehicle accident comprises a determination of whether roadway defectswere present at a location of the vehicle accident.
 797. The method ofclaim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises adetermination of whether there was a child in the at least one vehicleinvolved in the vehicle accident.
 798. The method of claim 753, whereinthe assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a determination ofwhether the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident wereengaged in commercial use at a time of the vehicle accident.
 799. Themethod of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accidentcomprises a determination of whether occupants in the at least onevehicle involved in the vehicle accident were wearing seatbelts.
 800. Asystem, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and asystem memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: providing claim dataregarding a vehicle accident via a graphical user interface; providingdata regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident viathe graphical user interface; providing an assessment of the vehicleaccident via the graphical user interface; and storing the claim dataregarding the vehicle accident, the data regarding at least one vehicleinvolved in the vehicle accident, and the assessment of the vehicleaccident in the data memory.
 801. A carrier medium comprising programinstructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executableto implement a method comprising: providing claim data regarding avehicle accident to a computer system via a graphical user interface;providing data regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicleaccident to the computer system via the graphical user interface;providing an assessment of the vehicle accident to the computer systemvia the graphical user interface; and storing the claim data regardingthe vehicle accident, the data regarding at least one vehicle involvedin the vehicle accident, and the assessment of the vehicle accident in amemory associated with the computer system.
 802. A method, comprising:providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein thememory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past ortheoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in thesets of characteristics is an accident type; displaying the accidenttype as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting agraphical image of an accident type corresponding to an accident type ofa real accident.
 803. The method of claim 802, wherein the accident typeis selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turncrossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn enteringtraffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane,concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into trafficfrom right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a mergefrom left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, acollision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on,and a straight cross traffic collision.
 804. The method of claim 802,wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
 805. The methodof claim 802, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicleaccident.
 806. A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; anda system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory isconfigured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU,and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a methodfor estimating liability, the method comprising: accessing the datamemory, wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristicsregarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein atleast one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an accidenttype; displaying the accident type as a graphical image in a graphicaluser interface; and selecting a graphical image of an accident typecorresponding to an accident type of a real accident.
 807. A carriermedium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructionsare computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing acomputer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past ortheoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in thesets of characteristics is an accident type; displaying the accidenttype as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting agraphical image of an accident type corresponding to an accident type ofa real accident.
 808. A method, comprising: providing a computer systemconfigured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics of one or more past or theoretical accidents, andwherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is aroadway configuration; displaying the roadway configuration as agraphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphicalimage of a roadway configuration corresponding to a roadwayconfiguration of a real accident.
 809. The method of claim 808, whereinthe roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a twoor more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, afour-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadwayinto another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lotwith one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane roaddivided by a physical barrier.
 810. The method of claim 808, wherein thereal accident comprises a vehicle accident.
 811. The method of claim808, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
 812. Asystem for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memorycoupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein thesystem memory is configured to store one or more computer programsexecutable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executableto implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising:accessing the data memory, wherein the data memory comprises sets ofcharacteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, andwherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is aroadway configuration; displaying the roadway configuration as agraphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphicalimage of a roadway configuration corresponding to a roadwayconfiguration of a real accident.
 813. A carrier medium comprisingprogram instructions, wherein the program instructions arecomputer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing acomputer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memorycomprises sets of characteristics of one or more past or theoreticalaccidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets ofcharacteristics is a roadway configuration; displaying the roadwayconfiguration as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; andselecting a graphical image of a roadway configuration corresponding toa roadway configuration of a real accident.
 814. A method, comprising:providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein thememory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past ortheoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in thesets of characteristics is an impact point for a vehicle involved in apast or theoretical accident; displaying the impact points as agraphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphicalimage of an impact point corresponding to an impact point for a vehicleinvolved in a real accident.
 815. The method of claim 814, wherein theimpact point is selected from the group consisting of right frontcorner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel,right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rearquarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, andfront middle.
 816. The method of claim 814, wherein the graphical imageof the impact point comprises a graphical representation of a vehicle,wherein the vehicle is divided into two or more sections, and whereinthe sections correspond to impact points.
 817. The method of claim 814,wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
 818. The methodof claim 814, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicleaccident.
 819. A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; adata memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU,wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computerprograms executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs areexecutable to implement a method for estimating liability, the methodcomprising: accessing the data memory, wherein the data memory comprisessets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoreticalaccidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets ofcharacteristics is an impact point for a vehicle in one of the a past ortheoretical accidents; displaying the impact point as a graphical imagein a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of animpact point corresponding to an impact point for a vehicle in a realaccident.
 820. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, whereinthe program instructions are computer-executable to implement a methodcomprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory,wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one ormore past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least onecharacteristic in the sets of characteristics is an impact point for avehicle involved in a past or theoretical accident; displaying theimpact points as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; andselecting a graphical image of an impact point corresponding to animpact point for a vehicle involved in a real accident.
 821. A method,comprising: providing to a computer system at least two real sets ofcharacteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of one ormore of the at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds to atleast one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparing thecontent of the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to thereal accident; and determining inconsistencies between the at least tworeal sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based on thecomparison.
 822. The method of claim 821, wherein the accident comprisesa vehicle accident, and wherein the at least two real sets ofcharacteristics are selected from the group consisting of speed of atleast one vehicle, whether brakes were applied, whether signaling wasimproper or nonexistent, whether a vehicle yielded, a road condition, aroad character, a road defects, a defective traffic control, visibility,whether a driver was wearing required corrective lenses, a distancebetween the vehicles prior to the accident, whether headlights were off,presence of an animal, a pedestrian, or another vehicle, whether avehicle made a sudden stop or swerve, whether taillights or brakelightswere off, unsafe backing, whether there was a failure to take evasiveaction, whether a vehicle had high beams on, and whether a lane changewas improper.
 823. The method of claim 821, wherein the real accidentcomprises a vehicle accident.
 824. The method of claim 821, wherein thereal accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
 825. A system forestimating liability, comprising: a CPU; and a system memory coupled tothe CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or morecomputer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computerprograms are executable to implement a method for estimating liability,the method comprising: providing at least two real sets ofcharacteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of one ormore of the at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds to atleast one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparing thecontent of the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to thereal accident; and determining inconsistencies between the at least tworeal sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based on thecomparison.
 826. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod comprising: providing to a computer system at least two real setsof characteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of oneor more of the at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds toat least one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparingthe content of the at least two real sets of characteristics relating tothe real accident; and determining inconsistencies between the at leasttwo real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based onthe comparison.
 827. A method, comprising: providing to a computersystem one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a realaccident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics compriseone or more witness statements of the real accident; storing the one ormore real sets of characteristics in a memory of the computer system;estimating a credible set of characteristics of the real accident,wherein the credible set of characteristics is estimated based on one ormore physical measurements of the real accident; storing the credibleset of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more realsets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics;determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more realsets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; andidentifying a credible witness statement, wherein the credible witnessstatement corresponds to one of the one or more real sets ofcharacteristics with the least number of inconsistencies with thecredible set of characteristics.
 828. The method of claim 827, whereincharacteristics of the real set of characteristics and the credible setof characteristics comprise factors relating to speed, time, anddistance in the real accident.
 829. The method of claim 827, whereincharacteristics of the real set of characteristics and the credible setof characteristics comprise factors relating to speed of a vehicleinvolved in the real accident, stopping distance of the vehicle involvedin the real accident, and stopping time of the vehicle involved in thereal accident.
 830. The method of claim 827, wherein the physicalmeasurements comprise measurements of effects of the real accident. 831.The method of claim 827, wherein the physical measurements comprisemeasurements of effects of the real accident, and wherein effects of thereal accident comprise length of skid marks and magnitude of vehicledamage.
 832. The method of claim 827, wherein the real accidentcomprises a vehicle accident.
 833. The method of claim 827, wherein thereal accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
 834. A system forestimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to theCPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memoryis configured to store one or more computer programs executable by theCPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement amethod for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing one ormore real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, whereinthe one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or morewitness statements of the real accident; storing the one or more realsets of characteristics in the data memory; estimating a credible set ofcharacteristics of the real accident, wherein the credible set ofcharacteristics is estimated based on one or more physical measurementsof the real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in thedata memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics tothe credible set of characteristics; determining a number ofinconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics andthe credible set of characteristics; and identifying a credible witnessstatement, wherein the credible witness statement corresponds to one ofthe one or more real sets of characteristics with the least number ofinconsistencies with the credible set of characteristics.
 835. A carriermedium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructionsare computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing to acomputer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to areal accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristicscomprise one or more witness statements of the real accident; storingthe one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory of the computersystem; estimating a credible set of characteristics of the realaccident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is estimated basedon one or more physical measurements of the real accident; storing thecredible set of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or morereal sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics;determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more realsets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; andidentifying a credible witness statement, wherein the credible witnessstatement corresponds to one of the one or more real sets ofcharacteristics with the least number of inconsistencies with thecredible set of characteristics.
 836. A method, comprising: providing toa computer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to areal accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristicscomprise one or more witness statements of the real accident; storingthe one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory; estimating acredible set of characteristics of the real accident, wherein thecredible set of characteristics is determined from physical measurementsof the real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in thememory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to thecredible set of characteristics; determining a number of inconsistenciesbetween the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credibleset of characteristics; and determining a credible real set ofcharacteristics, wherein the credible real set of characteristicscorrespond to characteristics of the real sets of characteristics thatare consistent with characteristics of the credible set ofcharacteristics.
 837. The method of claim 836, wherein characteristicsof the real sets of characteristics and the credible set ofcharacteristics comprise factors relating to speed, time, and distancein the real accident.
 838. The method of claim 836, whereincharacteristics of the real sets of characteristics and the credible setof characteristics comprise factors relating to speed of a vehicleinvolved in the real accident, stopping distance of the vehicle involvedin the real accident, and stopping time of the vehicle involved in thereal accident.
 839. The method of claim 836, wherein the physicalmeasurements comprise measurements of effects of the real accident. 840.The method of claim 836, wherein the physical measurements comprisemeasurements of effects of the real accident, and wherein the effects ofthe real accident comprise length of skid marks and magnitude of vehicledamage.
 841. The method of claim 836, wherein the real accidentcomprises a vehicle accident.
 842. The method of claim 836, wherein thereal accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
 843. A system forestimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to theCPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memoryis configured to store one or more computer programs executable by theCPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement amethod for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing one ormore real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, whereinthe one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or morewitness statements of the real accident; storing the one or more realsets of characteristics in the data memory; estimating a credible set ofcharacteristics of the real accident, wherein the credible set ofcharacteristics is determined from physical measurements of the realaccident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the datamemory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to thecredible set of characteristics; determining a number of inconsistenciesbetween the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credibleset of characteristics; and determining a credible real set ofcharacteristics, wherein the credible real set of characteristicscorrespond to characteristics of the real sets of characteristics thatare consistent with characteristics of the credible set ofcharacteristics.
 844. A carrier medium comprising program instructions,wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement amethod comprising: providing to a computer system one or more real setsof characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or morereal sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristicsin a memory; estimating a credible set of characteristics of the realaccident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is determined fromphysical measurements of the real accident; storing the credible set ofcharacteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more real sets ofcharacteristics to the credible set of characteristics; determining anumber of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets ofcharacteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and determininga credible real set of characteristics, wherein the credible real set ofcharacteristics correspond to characteristics of the real sets ofcharacteristics that are consistent with characteristics of the credibleset of characteristics.